BADC alleges favouritism, corruption in bunker allotment, demands fresh survey

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JK-BADC), a registered organisation working for the welfare of border and tribal communities, has raised strong objections over alleged irregularities in the recent bunker survey conducted in Balakote block of Sub-Division Mendhar, District Poonch.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary of J&K, Dr. Shazad Ahmad Malik, Chairman JK-BADC and former Vice Chancellor, stated that several poor and deserving families were unjustly excluded from the list of beneficiaries. Local residents allege that the survey was done without proper field visits, and that the final list was influenced by political pressure.

Disturbing reports have also surfaced claiming that some field officials demanded bribes from villagers in exchange for including their names. Many residents say they are afraid to file formal complaints due to fear of reprisal, though they have verbally reported the matter to senior officers—without any visible action.

Dr. Shazad acknowledged the Government of India and UT administration’s good intent behind the bunker initiative, but warned that the goal is being lost due to mismanagement and corruption at the grassroots.

JK-BADC has demanded a full re-survey to be done transparently and at the ground level. The organisation also stressed that only the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) should be entrusted with bunker construction, and that a monitoring team from the Chief Secretary’s office should oversee quality and implementation.

Further, the group has asked for a probe into already constructed bunkers, many of which, locals say, are of poor quality. “We appeal to the administration to hear the cries of the border people, who deserve safety, fairness, and dignity,” Dr. Shazad said.