The Vibrant Villages Programme Phase II was launched by the Union Home Minister from Nathanpur village in Cachar district, Assam. The initiative marks a decisive shift in India’s approach towards border development.

About Vibrant Villages Programme

• VVP Phase I (2023): A Centrally Sponsored Scheme covering 662 villages along the northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
• VVP Phase II (2025): A Central Sector Scheme covering 1,954 villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal adjoining Pakistan and Bangladesh.
  • 140 of these villages are located in Assam.
• Total Outlay of VVP-II: ₹6,839 crore.
• Time Period of VVP-II: Financial year 2028-2029
  

Objectives

• Ensure zero migration from border villages.
• Achieve zero infiltration into the country.
• Remove developmental gaps between border and mainland regions.
  

Key Focus Areas (Four Thematic Pillars)

• All-weather road connectivity
• Telecommunication and digital connectivity
• Television connectivity
• Electrification through convergence of schemes
  

The programme integrates infrastructure, healthcare, education, livelihood generation and tourism promotion. It aligns with national security goals and strengthens the role of border residents as partners in internal security.

The initiative would benefit 11 villages in Cachar, 21 in Sribhumi, 28 in Dhubri and several others across South Salmara, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur and Udalguri.

Exam Hook: 

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

1. Phase I covers villages along the northern border of India.
   
2. Phase II is a Central Sector Scheme covering villages adjoining Pakistan and Bangladesh borders.
   
3. The programme focuses only on security infrastructure without development components.
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-line wrap: The Vibrant Villages Programme seeks to transform India’s border settlements into engines of security, dignity and inclusive development.

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