UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Q19: model answer
India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.
What the question wants
Border disputes, security issues and development schemes.
How to structure it
Intro: length of both borders. Body: (1) conflicting issues with China; (2) with Pakistan; (3) security challenges; (4) BADP work; (5) BIM work and Vibrant Villages. Conclusion.
- 1(1) conflicting issues with China
- 2(2) with Pakistan
- 3(3) security challenges
- 4(4) BADP work
- 5(5) BIM work and Vibrant Villages
Model answer
India shares about 3,488 km of border with China and 3,323 km with Pakistan (including the LoC).
Conflicting issues: China
- Undefined LAC; claims on Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Standoffs at Doklam (2017) and Galwan (2020); October 2024 patrolling agreement for Depsang and Demchok.
- Chinese 'xiaokang' villages and dams on the Brahmaputra.
Conflicting issues: Pakistan
- Dispute over J&K; LoC ceasefire violations; Sir Creek and Siachen.
- Cross-border terror and infiltration.
Security challenges
- Drones dropping arms and drugs in Punjab and J&K.
- Difficult terrain; weak infrastructure compared with China's side.
- Smuggling and fake currency; depopulation of border villages.
Border Area Development Programme
- Centrally sponsored, for villages within 0–10 km of the international border.
- Roads, schools, health, water, sports facilities and skilling to meet critical gaps.
- Builds goodwill and stops migration from border areas.
Border Infrastructure and Management Scheme
- Fencing, floodlighting, border roads and outposts.
- Technology: Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) with sensors and cameras.
- Integrated Check Posts and roads in difficult areas.
Alongside these, the Vibrant Villages Programme (2023) and BRO projects like the Sela Tunnel strengthen the northern border.
A secure border needs both strong forces and thriving border communities.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
LAC Galwan BADP CIBMS Vibrant Villages
Where most answers lose marks
- Not describing the two schemes.
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26 Jul 2026Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/QP_CSM_2024_GenStud_III_03102024.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.