Shillong, April 4: Meghalaya is set to benefit from Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II).
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned this ambitious initiative as a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Centre. The program aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, aiming for ‘Safe, Secured & Vibrant land borders’ by fostering comprehensive development in border villages.
With a total outlay of Rs.6,839 crore, VVP-II will be implemented until the financial year 2028-29 across strategic villages in multiple states and union territories, including Meghalaya. This phase extends support to villages in border regions not previously covered under the first phase of VVP, bringing infrastructural and socio-economic upliftment to communities residing in these critical areas.
Other than Meghalaya, the programme shall be implemented in select strategic villages in the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal till the FY 2028-29.
The core objectives of VVP-II revolve around enhancing living standards and livelihood opportunities while strengthening national security. By integrating border populations more closely with the nation, the initiative seeks to curb trans-border crime and promote a sense of ownership and vigilance among residents, making them ‘the eyes and ears of the border guarding forces.’
The programme’s key interventions include infrastructure development within villages and clusters, value chain enhancement through cooperatives and self-help groups (SHGs), and targeted education, tourism, and livelihood generation initiatives. Smart classrooms, tourism circuits, and sustainable economic projects are expected to transform these villages into self-reliant hubs.
VVP-II will adopt a bottom-up approach to ensure effective implementation, with Village Action Plans tailored to specific regional and community needs. All-weather road connectivity, already sanctioned under PMGSY-IV, will be a fundamental aspect of the initiative. A High-Powered Committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary, will oversee relaxations in schematic guidelines to facilitate smoother execution in these remote areas.
A significant focus of VVP-II is on achieving saturation in existing welfare schemes at individual and household levels through convergence with ongoing government programmes. The initiative aims to provide universal access to essential services in four thematic areas: all-weather road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television connectivity, and electrification.
Beyond infrastructure, the programme emphasizes cultural vibrancy. It envisions a dynamic community life with fairs, festivals, awareness camps, and celebrations of national significance. Regular visits by government ministers and officials, including night stays, are planned to engage with the communities directly, boosting local morale and tourism potential.
Technology will play a crucial role in the implementation of VVP-II. Information databases such as PM Gati Shakti will be leveraged for data-driven decision-making, ensuring that the initiative is executed efficiently.
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