Source: TP
Subject: Government Scheme
Context: Union Home Minister launched the Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II) in Assam’s Cachar district to promote comprehensive development of border villages.
About The Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II):
What it is?
- The Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II) is a Central Sector Scheme focused on the comprehensive development of villages located in blocks abutting India’s International Land Borders (ILBs) (excluding northern border areas already covered under VVP-I).
Launched in:
- Approved by the Central Government for implementation during FY 2024-25 to 2025-26, with financial support extending up to 2028-29.
- Officially launched in February 2026 at Nathanpur village, Cachar district, Assam.
History:
- 1986-87: Border Area Development Programme (BADP) launched to fill infrastructure gaps in border regions.
- Over time, border villages continued to face migration, livelihood insecurity and development deficits.
- 2023: Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-I) launched for northern borders to reverse out-migration and strengthen strategic villages.
- VVP-II: Extended the model to other international land borders (Indo-Bangladesh, Indo-Nepal, Indo-Myanmar, Indo-Bhutan, Indo-Pakistan etc.) across 15 States and 2 UTs with area-specific strategies.
Aim:
- To address infrastructure gaps, improve living conditions and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in border villages.
- To integrate border populations with mainstream development and enable them to act as “eyes and ears” for border guarding forces.
Key Features:
- Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore up to FY 2028-29.
- Implemented across 15 States and 2 Union Territories.
- Saturation-based approach: Ensures coverage of all eligible households under existing government schemes.
- Convergence model: Integrates multiple flagship schemes for efficient resource use.
- Focus on 4 core infrastructure themes:
- All-weather road connectivity (PMGSY-IV)
- Telecom connectivity (Digital Bharat Nidhi)
- Television connectivity (BIND scheme)
- Electrification (RDSS)
- Identification of 1,954 strategic villages for intensive development.
- Livelihood promotion through tourism, SHGs, FPOs, skill development and financial inclusion.
- Border-specific outreach activities to build trust between communities and border security forces.
