Cabinet Approves Phase-II of Vibrant Villages Programme
Why in the News ?
The Union Cabinet has approved Phase-II of the Vibrant Villages Programme, allocating ₹6,839 crore for the development of strategic villages along international land borders. The initiative aims to enhance security, improve infrastructure, and promote livelihoods in remote border areas.
Overview of Vibrant Villages Programme – Phase II:
- The Union Cabinet has approved Phase-II of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) as a 100% centrally funded scheme.
- It aims to ensure the comprehensive development of villages situated along international land borders, excluding those already covered under VVP-I (primarily northern borders).
- The programme aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, targeting “Safe, Secured & Vibrant land borders.”
Funding and Coverage:
- Total financial outlay of the scheme is ₹6,839 crore, and it will be implemented till 2028-29.
- Villages in strategically important border blocks will benefit, including states like:
- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat,
- Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya,
- Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim,
- Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
- The scheme focuses on creating basic infrastructure, social welfare amenities, and sustainable livelihood options in border villages.
Strategic Significance and Objectives
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah called VVP a “game-changing” initiative that transforms border villages into growth hubs.
- VVP-II aims to:
- Improve living conditions and livelihood opportunities in border regions.
- Foster national integration by strengthening the role of villagers as the “eyes and ears” of border guarding forces.
- Control cross-border crimes and enhance internal security.
Vibrant Villages Programme & Shinku-La Tunnel – Key Points :● Launched in: Union Budget 2022–23, to continue till 2025–26. ● Aim: Holistic development of border villages on the northern border. ● Coverage: 2,963 villages (663 in Phase-I) across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Ladakh. ● Focus: Economic drivers, tourism, eco-agri businesses, skill development, and local entrepreneurship. ● Implementation: By district administration with Gram Panchayats; no overlap with Border Area Development Programme. Shinku-La Tunnel: ● Location: On Nimu–Padam–Darcha road. ● Length: 4.1 km, completion by December 2025. ● Purpose: All-weather connectivity to Ladakh; strategic for national security and troop movement. |