Vibrant Villages Programme – Phase II (VVP-II)

GS3 – Internal Security – Government Initiatives

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II), to be implemented over the period 2024–25 to 2028–29.

Salient Features

VVP-II builds upon the groundwork laid in VVP-I, extending its coverage and scope with a continued focus on strategically important areas situated near northern international land borders. The new phase will cover border villages across 17 states and Union Territories (UTs).

Primary Goal:

The programme aims to improve the living standards and economic prospects of residents in remote border villages. Key objectives include:

• Promoting security and prosperity in border regions
• Integrating local communities with the national mainstream
• Reducing cross-border crimes
• Encouraging local residents to serve as the ‘eyes and ears’ of border security personnel, thus enhancing internal security.

Financial Framework:

• The programme will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, implying 100% funding by the Union Government.
• Total Financial Allocation: ₹6,839 crore.
• It aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, promoting inclusive and secure border area development.

Core Areas of Focus

1. Infrastructure Development:
   Priority will be given to establishing essential infrastructure, including improved connectivity and public utilities in remote locations.
2. Sustainable Livelihoods:
   • Support will be extended to value chains through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives, and tourism development.
   • These livelihood avenues aim to generate employment and economic growth locally.
3. Cultural Promotion:
   • The scheme will encourage the preservation and celebration of local heritage through cultural fairs, national festivals, and community engagement activities.
4. Scheme Convergence Strategy:
   Services under existing welfare schemes will be integrated and saturated in target villages via convergence across four key thematic domains:
   • All-weather road access
   • Telecom and digital connectivity
   • Television coverage
   • Reliable electrification

Implementation Strategy

• Village-Level Action Plans:
  Each border village will have a customized development plan, crafted in coordination with state governments, district officials, and local communities.
• Linkage with PMGSY-IV:
  Road development and connectivity enhancement will be executed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase IV, overseen by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• High-Level Oversight:
  A High-Powered Committee, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, will supervise execution and provide the flexibility needed for implementation in challenging terrains.
• Use of Technology:
  Progress and resource utilization will be tracked through platforms like PM Gati Shakti, ensuring real-time monitoring and efficient planning.

Background – Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-I)

• Launch Year: 2023
• Time Frame: Financial Years 2022–23 to 2025–26
• Initial Allocation: ₹4,800 crore
• Focus: Overall socio-economic upliftment of villages located in northern border blocks, thereby improving residents’ quality of life.

States Covered:

VVP-I was rolled out in select border villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Development Goals:

The first phase aimed to:

• Provide basic infrastructure
• Create local employment opportunities
• Promote inclusive development
• Prevent out-migration from sensitive border regions

Planning Mechanism:

District administrations, in collaboration with Gram Panchayats, were tasked with drafting Village Action Plans under this initiative.