District Development Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar today convened a meeting of sectoral officers to formulate annual action plan under Border Area Development Programme for the year 2017-18 with an outlay of Rs 459 lakh.Major thrust was laid on roads and bridges for which Rs 224.86 lakh have been earmarked followed by an allocation of Rs 65 lakh in PHE sector for improving drinking water scenario in border areas whereas in Rural Development sector Rs 47 lakh has been allocated besides Rs 43.85 lakh for minor irrigation schemes in the border belt.Ramesh Kumar discussed in detail the proposed new projects as well as ongoing projects under BADP scheme. He passed instructions to all the officers to conduct fresh survey to identify sections and hamlets which are still deprived of the basic amenities like road, water and electricity with possible convergence of resources from different programmes/schemes. He further directed formulating action plans in consultation with stakeholders as provided in the guidelines. He also called for taking up works in the areas falling in 0-10 km belt of the border.DC called for taking up Skill Development Programme in border areas with special focus on vocational studies and training to youth for self employment and skill up gradation of artisans and weavers.Riding on the success of previous year`s training camps meant for providing training (physical and written) for belt force aspirants which got massive appreciation from all sections of the society, DC Kathua stressed on motivating greater number of border youths.DDC directed the officers to give priority to villages located near international border to bridge the gaps in physical and social infrastructure. He also passed instructions to strictly adhere BADP guidelines while executing works with special emphasis on quality of the work within stipulated time.Among others ACD, Executive Engineers of PWD, PDD, PHE, Irrigation and Soil Conservation Officer were present in the meeting.