Editor's Pick: Cabinet Committee clears new ITBP battalions

Endeavouring to bolster the social and security framework along the China border, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved raising seven new battalions of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) with an outlay of Rs 4,800 crore under the Vibrant Villages Programme to stop migration and boost tourism in villages along the border. Indian and Chinese troops had engaged in a stand-off at several locations in Eastern Ladakh since April-May 2020. A sector headquarters for the ITBP was also announced. Union Minister Anurag Thakur stated the decision was taken keeping an eye on the need for effective monitoring in the border areas. He added the battalions and the sector headquarters would be raised by 2025-26. The Union Minister added that Rs 1,808.15 crore have been approved as non-recurring expenditure for the construction of official and residential buildings, land acquisition, arms and ammunition. A recurring expenditure of Rs 963.68 crore per year for the salary and ration of personnel has been approved. With these developments, the strength of the ITBP has been increased to 97,000 from the existing 88,000. Further, Rs 2,500 crore of the allocated funds would be spent on constructing roads. Though the VVP was announced in the 2022-23 budget, no concrete budget or concept plan was shared then. Additionally, in order to provide all weather connectivity, the cabinet also approved the construction of Shinku La Tunnel in Ladakh. As per Mr Thakur, the construction is slated to be completed by December 2025 incurring an expenditure of Rs 1,681 crore. The Vibrant Villages Programme’s outlay accounts for financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26. It also endeavours to provide for development of villages on the northern border with an endeavour to improve the quality of life of the people residing there. The Hindu’s Editorials Brazen intimidation: On the tax survey on the BBC Beyond limits: On the Supreme Court order upholding J&K Delimitation Commission The Hindu’s Daily News Quiz The IT Department on February 14 conducted a ‘survey’ at the offices of the BBC in Delhi and Mumbai. This move comes weeks after the BBC released a documentary about PM Narendra Modi. What is the name of the documentary? India, Modi and Gujarat riots India: the Modi Question India: under Prime Minister Modi India under Modi To know the answer and to play the full quiz, click here. [logo] Editor's Pick 16 FEBRUARY 2023 [The Hindu logo] In the Editor's Pick newsletter, The Hindu explains why a story was important enough to be carried on the front page of today's edition of our newspaper. [Arrow]( [Open in browser]( [Mail icon]( [More newsletters]( Cabinet Committee clears new ITBP battalions Endeavouring to bolster the social and security framework along the China border, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved [raising seven new battalions of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police]( (ITBP) with an outlay of Rs 4,800 crore under the Vibrant Villages Programme to stop migration and boost tourism in villages along the border. Indian and Chinese troops had engaged in a stand-off at several locations in Eastern Ladakh since April-May 2020. A sector headquarters for the ITBP was also announced. Union Minister Anurag Thakur stated the decision was taken keeping an eye on the need for effective monitoring in the border areas. He added the battalions and the sector headquarters would be raised by 2025-26. The Union Minister added that Rs 1,808.15 crore have been approved as non-recurring expenditure for the construction of official and residential buildings, land acquisition, arms and ammunition. A recurring expenditure of Rs 963.68 crore per year for the salary and ration of personnel has been approved. With these developments, the strength of the ITBP has been increased to 97,000 from the existing 88,000. Further, Rs 2,500 crore of the allocated funds would be spent on constructing roads. Though the VVP was announced in the 2022-23 budget, no concrete budget or concept plan was shared then. Additionally, in order to provide all weather connectivity, the cabinet also approved the construction of Shinku La Tunnel in Ladakh. As per Mr Thakur, the construction is slated to be completed by December 2025 incurring an expenditure of Rs 1,681 crore. The Vibrant Villages Programme’s outlay accounts for financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26. It also endeavours to provide for development of villages on the northern border with an endeavour to improve the quality of life of the people residing there. The Hindu’s Editorials [Arrow][Brazen intimidation: On the tax survey on the BBC]( [Arrow][Beyond limits: On the Supreme Court order upholding J&K Delimitation Commission]( The Hindu’s Daily News Quiz The IT Department on February 14 conducted a ‘survey’ at the offices of the BBC in Delhi and Mumbai. This move comes weeks after the BBC released a documentary about PM Narendra Modi. What is the name of the documentary? - India, Modi and Gujarat riots - India: the Modi Question - India: under Prime Minister Modi - India under Modi To know the answer and to play the full quiz,[click here](. Are you a book lover looking for your next literary adventure? Look no further than “The Hindu On Books” weekly newsletter! We scour the shelves to bring you the best new releases and hidden gems in all genres. 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