Amit Shah to Inaugurate Phase 2 of Vibrant Villages Programme in Assam
Home Minister Amit Shah is set to launch the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP–II) in the Cachar district of Assam on Friday. This initiative marks a significant step in the government's efforts to foster inclusive development in border regions, with the dual goals of reducing outmigration and integrating local populations as active participants in border security.
Comprehensive Development for Border Villages
The VVP-II project, with a budget of Rs 6,839 crore, targets the holistic development of 1,954 identified villages situated along international borders across 15 states and 2 Union territories. This launch follows closely after the government reported to the Lok Sabha that villages in three border districts of Arunachal Pradesh—Kurung Kumey, Dibang Valley, and Shi-Yomi—covered under VVP-I have already witnessed reverse migration, indicating early success in addressing population decline.
The primary objectives of the Vibrant Villages Programme include:
- Creating improved living conditions and sufficient livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and secure borders.
- Controlling trans-border crime and fostering national integration among border communities.
- Aligning with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, as emphasized by a home ministry spokesperson on Thursday.
Strategic Coverage and Timeline
VVP-II will be operational until 2028-29 and encompasses border areas in a wide range of regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. This extensive coverage underscores the programme's national significance in bolstering internal security and promoting sustainable development in remote areas.
By empowering border populations as "eyes and ears" for security forces, the initiative aims to strengthen surveillance and community engagement, thereby enhancing overall border management and safety.
