New Delhi: In a bid to ensure vigilance of citizens in border areas, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will on Friday launch the second phase of the Vibrant Villages programme, covering 1,954 border villages in 15 states and two UTs.
Designed to ensure inclusive and sustainable development of border villages, the second phase of the VVP is a centrally funded scheme with an outlay of Rs. $Rs 6,839 crore till the financial year 2028-29, a government statement issued on Thursday said.
The Union Minister will launch the program from Nathanpur in Cachar, Assam.
“It focuses on improving basic infrastructure, enhancing access to basic services, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, thereby promoting safe, resilient and prosperous border communities in line with Vixit Bharat @2047 vision,” it said.
The VVP was approved by the Central government on February 15, 2023, covering 662 selected villages in 46 blocks adjoining the northern border in 19 districts in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Ladakh.
Under the VVP-I programme, 2,558 projects/works have been implemented with an outlay of $Rs 3,431 crore was sanctioned by the health department, and over 8,500 activities were undertaken, including awareness campaigns, health and veterinary camps, exhibitions, festivals and tourism promotion.
On April 2, 2025, the government gave its nod to the second phase, identifying 1,954 villages abutting the international land borders of 15 states and two UTs for comprehensive development, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in a written reply in Lok Sabha on February 3.
“By strengthening these villages, the program also enables residents to act as the eyes and ears of the nation, thus contributing significantly to border security, preventing cross-border crimes and enhancing internal security,” a statement issued on Thursday said.
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