The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) as a fully funded Central Sector Scheme to develop villages along India’s international land borders. This initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 by enhancing security and improving living standards in border regions.
With a total outlay of Rs. 6,839 crore, VVP-II will be implemented in strategically important villages across 17 States and Union Territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, running until FY 2028-29.
The programme aims to develop essential infrastructure, support livelihood opportunities, and enhance security by integrating border populations with national development efforts. It will fund road connectivity, telecom and television infrastructure, electrification, SMART classrooms, tourism promotion, and sustainable economic projects.
Implementation will follow village-specific action plans created in collaboration with local stakeholders. All-weather road connectivity will be ensured under PMGSY-IV, and a High-Powered Committee, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, will oversee necessary relaxations in scheme guidelines for effective execution.
To foster community engagement, VVP-II will organize fairs, festivals, awareness programs, and visits by government officials.
Technology will also play a critical role in VVP-II, leveraging platforms such as PM Gati Shakti to facilitate efficient project execution.
