Vibrant Villages Programme–II

Key Highlights:

• Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) was approved on April 2, 2025, as a Central Sector Scheme.
• VVP-II has a total outlay of ₹6839 crores until the Financial Year 2028-29.
• It targets comprehensive development of 1954 villages in 334 blocks along International Land Borders (ILBs), excluding the northern border.
• Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I) was approved on February 15, 2023, as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• VVP-I focuses on 46 blocks abutting the northern border, with ₹959.66 crore released to states/UTs.
• A High-Powered Committee (HPC), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, is approved for VVP-II to facilitate implementation.

Detailed Insights:

• VVP-II aims to address unique and specific challenges in border villages through area-specific development strategies.
• The program covers a broad geographical area, including states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and various Northeastern states.
• VVP-I specifically targeted villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand.
• The High-Powered Committee (HPC) for VVP-II is tasked with undertaking relaxations in schematic guidelines of various ministries for effective implementation.
• The distinction between Centrally Sponsored (VVP-I) and Central Sector (VVP-II) schemes indicates different funding and implementation responsibilities.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Schemes where a certain percentage of funding is provided by the Central Government and the rest by the State Governments.
• Central Sector Scheme: Schemes fully funded and implemented by the Central Government agencies.
• High-Powered Committee (HPC): A high-level body formed to oversee and facilitate the implementation of specific government programs or policies.