New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, conducted a high-level meeting today to review the implementation of the “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP). During the meeting, Shah reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to the comprehensive development of border villages under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shah highlighted the necessity of providing employment opportunities and improving connectivity in border villages to prevent migration. He called for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Army to support local economies by purchasing agricultural and handicraft products through cooperatives. Additionally, he urged that the healthcare facilities of the Army and CAPFs be made regularly available to residents of nearby villages. Emphasizing sustainability, Shah advocated for the maximum use of solar energy and other renewable sources, such as windmills.
The Union Home Minister directed senior ministers and officials to continue their efforts in understanding and addressing the issues of border villages. He noted that over 6,000 events have been organized in these villages, including around 4,000 service delivery and awareness camps. Furthermore, the Government of India has sanctioned over 600 projects aimed at generating employment in these areas. Shri Shah stressed the importance of regular high-level reviews to resolve pending issues efficiently.
As part of the Vibrant Villages Programme, 136 border villages are set to receive connectivity through 113 all-weather road projects, with a total investment of ₹2,420 crore. The rollout of 4G connectivity in these regions is progressing rapidly, with the goal of achieving full coverage by December 2024. Efforts are also being made to ensure financial inclusion, facilitated by India Post-Payment Banks (IPPB) in these villages.
In a bid to promote tourism and bring vibrancy to these border villages, the government is developing tourist circuits and enhancing tourism-related infrastructure in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. Capacity-building initiatives are also underway to support this endeavor.
Launched on February 14, 2023, with an allocation of ₹4,800 crore, the Vibrant Villages Programme is a significant and ambitious initiative under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, including the Union Home Secretary, Secretary of Border Management, and the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
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