Amit Shah launches ₹6,900 Cr Vibrant Villages Programme for border development
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) with an outlay of ₹6,900 crore to develop 1,954 villages across 17 states. The initiative aims to enhance infrastructure, boost livelihoods, and strengthen national security in border areas, transforming them into 'first villages' rather than 'last villages'.
Key Highlights
- Vibrant Villages Programme-II aims to develop 1,954 villages across 17 states.
- The programme has an outlay of ₹6,900 crore for infrastructure and livelihood development.
- It focuses on improving connectivity, education, employment, and welfare schemes.
- The initiative seeks to enhance border security and prevent infiltration.
- Border villages are envisioned as 'first villages' of India, not 'last villages'.
- The programme aims to stop migration from border areas and promote local prosperity.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II), a significant initiative with an outlay of approximately ₹6,900 crore, aimed at the comprehensive development of 1,954 villages across 17 states and two Union Territories. The launch took place in Nathanpur village, Cachar district, Assam, marking a strategic push to strengthen infrastructure, livelihoods, and national security in India's border regions. The programme's core objective is to transform villages located along international land borders, shifting the narrative from them being the 'last villages' to becoming the 'first villages' of India, ensuring they receive development on par with other parts of the country. VVP-II will cover 334 blocks and will focus on improving all-weather road connectivity, telecom services, electricity access, sanitation, drinking water facilities, education, and employment opportunities. The scheme aims to saturate these villages with existing government welfare schemes, fostering inclusive and sustainable development. A key strategic goal of the Vibrant Villages Programme is to prevent migration from these border areas, thereby reducing security vacuums and demographic changes. By empowering local residents, the programme seeks to make them the 'eyes and ears' of border guarding forces, crucial for controlling trans-border crime and enhancing internal security. The total outlay for VVP-II is ₹6,839 crore, with implementation planned until the financial year 2028-29. In Assam alone, the programme will benefit 140 villages across nine districts and 26 blocks, many of which are situated along the sensitive India-Bangladesh border. The programme also emphasizes the promotion of local culture, heritage, and tourism to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and boost economic activity. The government's vision for VVP-II aligns with the 'Viksit Bharat@2047' initiative, aiming for 'Safe, Secured & Vibrant land borders'. The initiative builds upon the first phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-I), which was launched in 2023 and focused on villages along the northern border. VVP-I saw the sanctioning of 2,558 projects worth ₹3,431 crore and more than 8,500 activities. The Union Cabinet had approved the second phase of the programme on April 2, 2025. The states and Union Territories covered under VVP-II include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The programme's implementation will be based on area-specific strategies and village action plans prepared collaboratively. The government aims to ensure that border regions are developed as growth centres, preventing them from being left behind in the nation's overall development journey. This comprehensive approach is expected to foster secure, resilient, and prosperous border communities. The news was published on February 20, 2026. The GK Today article is considered reliable, receiving a credibility score of 7/10, with the overall story being of high importance and urgency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)?
The Vibrant Villages Programme is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at the comprehensive development of villages located along the country's international land borders. Its goal is to improve infrastructure, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen national security in these areas.
What are the main objectives of VVP-II?
The second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) aims to develop 1,954 villages across 17 states. Key objectives include improving infrastructure (roads, telecom, electricity), enhancing basic services, creating employment opportunities, preventing migration from border areas, and making these villages 'first villages' of India in terms of development and security.
How much funding is allocated for VVP-II?
The Vibrant Villages Programme-II has a total outlay of approximately ₹6,900 crore (some sources report ₹6,839 crore) for its implementation until the financial year 2028-29.
Which states are covered under VVP-II?
VVP-II covers 17 states and 2 Union Territories: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
