Cabinet okays Rs 6,839 crore Vibrant Villages scheme to bolster India's security

IANS April 4, 2025 166 views

The Indian government has launched an ambitious Rs 6,839 crore Vibrant Villages Programme to enhance national security along strategic border regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative will develop infrastructure and create livelihood opportunities in 17 states with international borders. The programme aims to transform border villages into secure, connected, and prosperous communities that can serve as frontline defenders. By leveraging technology and focusing on holistic development, the scheme seeks to strengthen India's territorial integrity and social integration.

"Villages will become eyes and ears of border guarding forces" - Official Statement
New Delhi, April 4: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) as a Central Sector Scheme for developing villages located along the country's international borders to enhance national security.

Key Points

1

Cabinet approves comprehensive development plan for strategic border villages

2

100% centrally funded initiative targeting national security

3

Programme covers infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood opportunities

4

Aims to integrate border populations with national mainstream

With a total outlay of Rs 6,839 crore, the programme will be implemented in select strategic villages in the States and UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal till the financial year 2028-29.

The programme, with 100 per cent funding from the Centre, would help in the comprehensive development of villages located in the blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than the Northern border already covered under VVP-I, according to an official statement.

The objective of the programme is to create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and safe borders, control trans-border crime and assimilate the border population with the nation and inculcate them "as eyes and ears of the border guarding forces", crucial for internal security, the statement explained.

The programme will provide funds for infrastructure development within the village or a cluster of villages, value chain development (through cooperatives, SHGs, etc), border specific outreach activity, education infrastructure like SMART classes, development of tourism circuits and works/projects to create diverse and sustainable livelihood opportunities in the border areas, the statement said.

The interventions would be border-specific, state and village-specific, based on Village Action Plans prepared in a collaborative approach.

All-weather road connectivity for these villages shall be undertaken under the already approved Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana-IV under the Ministry of Rural Development. A high-powered committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary shall consider suitable relaxations in schematic guidelines for effective implementation of schemes in the border areas.

The programme aims to achieve saturation in existing individual and household-level welfare schemes in the identified villages under convergence as per scheme norms.

The programme also aims to saturate all villages in such blocks in four thematic areas, namely all-weather road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television connectivity and electrification through convergence under existing scheme norms.

The programme emphasises enhancing vibrancy in these villages by organising activities including fairs and festivals, awareness camps, celebration of National days, regular visits by Ministers, senior Government officers from Central and State/UT Government and night stays in such villages. This would boost the tourism potential and promote the local culture and heritage of these villages.

"Technology would be leveraged and information databases like PM Gati Shakti will be used for effective implementation of the project," the statement added.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a much-needed initiative! Border villages have been neglected for too long. Better infrastructure and connectivity will definitely improve security and quality of life for residents. 👏
P
Priya M.
I appreciate the focus on sustainable livelihoods and tourism development. Hope the funds reach the actual beneficiaries and aren't lost in bureaucratic delays.
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Amit S.
While the scheme sounds promising, I'm concerned about implementation. We've seen similar border development programs before with mixed results. Hope this time there's proper monitoring.
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Sunita R.
The cultural aspect is interesting! Celebrating local festivals and heritage will help preserve traditions while boosting tourism. Would love to visit these vibrant villages once developed!
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Vikram J.
Good to see focus on telecom and electricity too. These basic amenities are crucial for development. Hope they include healthcare facilities as well in the village plans.
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Neha P.
The "eyes and ears" strategy is smart. When local communities feel connected to the nation, security improves naturally. But the government must ensure these programs don't feel forced.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Narendra Modi Border Security Vibrant Villages Programme National Infrastructure Border Development Strategic Villages
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