Centre to bring 1,954 border villages under development scheme, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The second phase of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) will include 1,954 villages along borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• The program spans 15 States and 2 Union Territories, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Launched in 2023, the VVP initially focused on villages bordering China.
• Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to launch VVP-II on February 20 at Nathanpur village in Assam, near the Bangladesh border.

Detailed Insights:

• The primary goal of VVP-II is to address developmental needs, improve well-being, and create diverse livelihood opportunities for border populations.
• The initiative aims to foster economic and cultural integration, ensuring border regions participate in national development.
• VVP-II seeks to enhance professional growth, social cohesion, and national integration in these strategically important villages.
• The Union Cabinet approved VVP-II in April 2025, expanding the program's reach and impact on border area development.

Key Concepts Involved:

Vibrant Village Programme (VVP)

• National Integration: The process of unifying diverse social, cultural, and economic elements into a cohesive national identity.
• Livelihood Opportunities: Sustainable means of income and economic activity that support the well-being of individuals and communities.