Vibrant Villages Programme-II

• Context (PIB): The Cabinet approves Vibrant Villages Programme-II for FY 2024-25 to 2028-29.

About Vibrant Villages Programme-II

• Vibrant Villages Programme-II is a continuation and expansion of the 1^st phase (VVP-I) focusing on northern borders.
• The new phase targets strategic villages along international land borders (ILBs) in 17 states and Union Territories.
• Objective: To create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities to ensure prosperous and safe borders, control trans-border crime, assimilate the border population with the nation, and inculcate them as ‘eyes and ears of the border guarding forces, ’ crucial for internal security.
• Funding: VVP-II will be a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Union government.
• Total Outlay: Rs.6,839 crore.
• The scheme is part of the broader Viksit Bharat@2047 vision to secure India’s land borders through sustainable and inclusive development.

Key Focus Areas

• Infrastructure: Building critical infrastructure for connectivity and local amenities.
• Livelihoods: Support for value chains through cooperatives, SHGs, and tourism circuit development.
• Cultural Vibrancy: Promotion of local culture via fairs, national day celebrations and community events.
• Convergence of Schemes: The programme seeks to saturate all border villages with services under existing welfare schemes through convergence in 4 thematic areas:
  1. All-weather road connectivity
  2. Telecom connectivity
  3. Television access
  4. Electrification

Implementation Model

• Village Action Plans: Tailored to the unique needs of each state, district, and village, these plans will be prepared in a collaborative approach.
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV Linkage: Road connectivity will be taken up under the ongoing PMGSY-IV program under the Ministry of Rural Development.
• High-Powered Committee: Led by the Cabinet Secretary, this will allow flexibility in guidelines for better implementation in remote areas.
• Tech Enablement: Platforms like PM Gati Shakti will be used to monitor progress and resource planning.