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.

Cabinet Approves Phase-II of Vibrant Villages Programme

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.