The Union Cabinet approved the second phase of Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II). The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.With a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore, the programme will be implemented in select strategic villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal till the FY 2028-29. All villages except those on the India- China border will be covered under Phase-II.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said the programme aims to saturate border villages with basic developmental parameters. “We need to keep border villages prosperous and connected as emptying of these villages can be a strategic risk,” he said.
The Union Minister said 700 villages were covered in phase 1, and the aim is to cover 2,000 villages in phase 2.Objectives of the scheme
Develop and secure border villages to prevent migration.
Provide essential facilities like roads, electricity, water, internet, healthcare, and education.
Create employment and self-employment opportunities.
Promote tourism while preserving cultural heritage.
Key developments under the scheme
Paved roads and better connectivity.
24×7 electricity and clean water supply.
Digital connectivity through Wi-Fi and mobile networks.
Establishment of primary health centers, schools, and Anganwadi centers.
Promotion of tourism through homestays and eco-tourism.
Skill development and training programs for local residents.