Modi Govt sanctions Rs 4,800 crore to develop border villagers with eye on India’s security

The Union Cabinet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an allocation  of Rs 4,800 crore for the “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26 for the development of the country’s border villages. Four states and one Union Territory will be covered under the scheme.

The Centrally sponsored scheme is aimed at comprehensive development to improve the quality of life of the people living in villages on the northern border. This will help in encouraging people to stay in their native locations in border areas and reversing the outmigration from these villages adding to improved security of the border, according to an official statement issued today.

The scheme will provide funds for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks in four states and one UT along the northern land border of the country which will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the populatiion in the border areas. In the first phase 663 Villages will be taken up in the programme, the statement explained.

Key outcomes that have been attempted are, connectivity with all-weather roads, drinking water, 24×7 electricity – Solar and wind energy to be given focused attention, mobile and internet connectivity. Tourist centres, multi-purpose centres and health and wellness centres will be set up under the scheme.

There will not be an overlap with the Border Area Development Programme. Out of financial allocation of Rs. 4800 crore as much as Rs 2,500 crore will be used for roads, the statement explained.

The scheme aids to identify and develop the economic drivers based on local natural human and other resources of the border villages on northern border and development of growth centres on “Hub and Spoke Model” through promotion of social entrepreneurship, empowerment of youth and women through skill development and entrepreneurship.

The scheme will leverage the tourism potential through promotion of local cultural, traditional knowledge and heritage and development of sustainable eco-agribusinesses on the concept of “One village-One product” through community based organisations, Cooperatives, SHGs and  NGOs.

Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of Gram Panchayats. The government will also ensure a 100 % saturation of Central and state schemes to get better results.