Union Cabinet approves Vibrant Villages Programme-II for border development

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) with a total outlay of Rs. 6,839 crore. This Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Centre, aims to enhance infrastructure, security, and livelihood opportunities in select villages along India’s international land borders.

Extending beyond VVP-I, which focused on the northern border, VVP-II will be implemented in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal until FY 2028-29.

The program aims to improve living conditions, integrate border communities into the national framework, and enhance security by making residents “eyes and ears” of border forces. It will fund infrastructure development, cooperatives, self-help groups (SHGs), SMART classes, tourism circuits, and diverse livelihood projects.

VVP-II prioritizes all-weather road connectivity through PMGSY-IV and will enhance telecom, television, and electricity access in border villages. A High-Powered Committee will oversee implementation with relaxed guidelines where necessary.

The initiative will also support fairs, festivals, awareness camps, and ministerial visits. Technology platforms like PM Gati Shakti will aid execution.

Together with VVP-I, the initiative aims to make India’s border villages self-reliant and vibrant while strengthening national security.

MT