Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) from Nathanpur village in Assam’s Cachar district, marking a major push to accelerate development in India’s border areas.
Officials said the centrally sponsored initiative will cover 1,954 villages located along international land borders across 15 states and two Union Territories. The programme is scheduled to run till the financial year 2028–29 with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore.
The Vibrant Villages Programme-II aims to ensure comprehensive development of remote border settlements through a saturation-based and convergence-driven approach. The government expects the initiative to strengthen infrastructure, improve access to basic services and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities in frontier regions.
Under the scheme, priority will be given to improving road connectivity, housing, drinking water supply, power, education, healthcare and digital access. Officials said the programme will also focus on promoting tourism and local economic activities to reduce migration from border villages.
The Centre has emphasised that empowering residents of border areas is crucial for national security. By improving living conditions and economic prospects, the government hopes local communities will remain in these strategically important regions and contribute to border vigilance.
The Vibrant Villages Programme was first approved in 2023 to develop villages along India’s northern borders. Phase II significantly expands the coverage, reflecting the Centre’s continued focus on strengthening infrastructure and livelihoods in frontier areas, particularly in the Northeast.
The launch from Assam highlights the region’s strategic importance and the government’s push to fast-track development in remote border districts.
- Log in to post comments
