Gurdaspur district in Punjab showcases the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, but faces challenges due to its proximity to Pakistan. Comprehensive development initiatives are needed to transform residents’ lives and boost security and prosperity.
It is in this background that the AaBAD initiative was envisaged by the Deputy Commissioner, Gurdaspur, Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, an IAS officer of 2014 batch. Mr. Aggarwal grew up in another border district of Punjab, Ferozepur, and was previously posted as Collector in Fazilka, another border district, where he first had this idea of Mission AaBAD (Absolute Border Area Development) aimed at holistic development of the border areas. He replicated and scaled the initiative when he was posted in the Gurdaspur district last year.
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