140 Assam Border Villages Selected Under Vibrant Villages Programme-II

Why in the News?

The Central Government has identified 140 villages across nine border districts of Assam under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and the quality of life in strategically important border areas.

More About the News

Border villages serve as the first line of defence and play a vital role in national security, border management, and regional development. Recognising their strategic importance, the Government of India has expanded the Vibrant Villages Programme to strengthen infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in remote border regions.

Key Highlights

• The Central Government has selected 140 villages located within 10 km of the international border across 9 districts of Assam under Vibrant Villages Programme-II.
• Villages have been selected on a block-wise basis to ensure balanced and need-based development.
• The programme focuses on improving both physical infrastructure and social development in remote border areas.
• Implementation is being carried out jointly by the Central Government, Assam Government, and district administrations.

About the Vibrant Villages Programme-II

The Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to develop strategically important villages along India’s international borders.

• It builds upon the success of Vibrant Villages Programme-I, launched in 2023, which focused on villages along the northern border.
• VVP-II expands the initiative to villages located along the international borders of 15 States and 2 Union Territories, excluding the northern border.
• The programme has a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore and will be implemented till FY 2028–29.

Objectives of the Programme

• Improve the quality of life in border villages through better infrastructure and essential public services.
• Reduce migration from remote border areas by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
• Strengthen border security and curb transborder crimes through vibrant and economically active border communities.
• Promote balanced regional development, national integration, and encourage border residents to act as the “eyes and ears” of border security forces.

Major Components

• Development of all-weather road connectivity.
• Expansion of telecom and internet connectivity to bridge the digital divide.
• Improvement of television and digital communication facilities.
• Provision of on-grid electrification for reliable power supply.
• Convergence with major government schemes such as:
  • Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
  • Digital India
  • BharatNet
  • Jal Jeevan Mission
  • Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)

Why is it Important for Assam?

• Improves connectivity and essential public services in remote border villages.
• Strengthens India’s border management by supporting secure and prosperous border communities.
• Generates employment and enhances access to education, healthcare, and digital services.
• Supports India’s Act East Policy by improving connectivity across the Northeast.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to the Vibrant Villages Programme, consider the following statements:

1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. It aims to improve infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in strategically important border villages.
3. The programme covers villages located near India’s international borders.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
• (d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

The Vibrant Villages Programme-II aims to transform Assam’s border villages into secure, connected, and economically vibrant communities while strengthening national security and promoting inclusive development.