Context:
Officials have announced that 124 strategic villages across 43 border blocks in eight districts of Jammu & Kashmir will be developed under the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP).
Key Highlights
- Planning & Coverage
- A comprehensive roadmap has been prepared for focused development.
- Villages selected are located in border areas, enhancing socio-economic and strategic security infrastructure.
- Objective
- Prevent migration from border areas, boost livelihood opportunities, and strengthen border habitation.
- Promote infrastructure, communication, tourism, skill development, and social welfare services.
- Expected Outcomes
- Improved connectivity, public services, and economic activity.
- Increased civilian presence in border areas to support national security and surveillance.
Relevant Prelims Points
- Vibrant Villages Programme
- Launched: 2023
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs
- Objective: Development of villages along the northern border in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Ladakh/J&K.
- Notified districts include border areas adjoining China.
- Differences from PM-Gati Shakti & Border Area Development Programme (BADP)
- VVP = settlement strengthening + livelihood + multi-sector development.
- BADP = infrastructure support for border guarding forces & civilians.
Relevant Mains Points
- Supports border security through civilian empowerment.
- Reduces population out-migration and enhances last-mile delivery of welfare schemes.
- Contributes to strategic deterrence against hostile neighbours and improves surveillance advantage.
- Way forward: strengthen community participation, ensure sustainable livelihoods, integrate tourism and local industries, and coordinate MHA–State–panchayat planning.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS-3: Border security, infrastructure development
- GS-2: Governance, welfare schemes in remote areas
- Prelims: Nodal ministry, VVP objectives, northern border mapping