VVP-II Approval: The Union Cabinet has approved phase two of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) with a ₹6,839 crore outlay.
Expansion of Scope: Unlike VVP-I (focused on China border), VVP-II covers strategic villages along all international land borders.
Implementation Area: The program will be implemented in select villages across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, until FY 2028-29.
Central Sector Scheme: VVP-II is a 100% Central Sector Scheme, funded entirely by the Union government.
Objectives: To improve living conditions, create livelihood opportunities, ensure secure borders, curb trans-border crime, integrate the border population, and utilize them for internal security.
Key Components: Infrastructure development (roads, housing, connectivity), social development (healthcare, education), tourism and cultural promotion, and a strong security dimension.
Convergence Model: Coordination with existing schemes like PMGSY, Jal Jeevan Mission, and PMAY-G for comprehensive development.
Activities to enhance vibrancy: Activities including fairs, awareness camps, celebration of national days and more to boost tourism and promote local culture and heritage.
Strategic Importance: The program aims to strengthen border security by fostering economic and social development, discouraging migration, and creating a strategic presence.
