ENHANCE THE VIBRANCY OF BORDER VILLAGES

**Executive Summary** The Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I), approved on February 15, 2023, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme designed for the comprehensive development of 662 identified border villages across 19 districts in northern India. The programme aims to create livelihood opportunities and improve infrastructure to encourage residents to remain in these border areas. As of February 28, 2026, over 8,600 activities have been conducted, and ₹2,513.35 crore has been sanctioned for critical road and bridge connectivity projects. **Key Points / Main Content** **Programme Scope and Objectives** * **Target Areas:** The scheme focuses on 46 blocks in 19 districts abutting the northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and the UT of Ladakh. * **Primary Goal:** To provide sufficient incentives and facilities to ensure people continue to reside in selected border villages. * **Initial Scale:** 662 villages have been prioritized for comprehensive development under the first phase. **Areas of Intervention** * **Livelihood and Economy:** Promotion of tourism, cultural heritage, skill development, entrepreneurship, and cooperative societies. * **Agriculture:** Development of agriculture/horticulture and the cultivation of medicinal plants and herbs. * **Infrastructure:** Construction of road connectivity, health facilities, and education infrastructure. * **Utilities and Services:** Provision of energy (including renewable energy), television, and telecom connectivity. **Implementation Progress (as of February 28, 2026)** * **Activity Count:** A total of 8,600+ activities have been executed, including awareness drives, service delivery camps, training, and health/veterinary camps. * **Regional Activity Distribution:** Arunachal Pradesh (2,971), Ladakh (2,221), Uttarakhand (1,885), Himachal Pradesh (1,019), and Sikkim (534). * **Connectivity Projects:** 112 roads and 35 Long Span Bridges (LSBs) have been sanctioned to connect 135 previously unconnected villages. * **Financial Allocation:** ₹2,513.35 crore has been allocated for infrastructure projects specifically in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand. **Impact Analysis** **Residents of Border Villages** **Impact** Residents benefit from enhanced livelihood opportunities, improved essential services (health, education, telecom), and better physical connectivity to the rest of the country. **Action Required** Engage with local training programs, capacity-building activities, and cooperative societies to utilize the new infrastructure and economic incentives. **State and UT Administrations (Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh)** **Impact** These authorities are responsible for facilitating the 8,600+ developmental activities and overseeing the implementation of sanctioned infrastructure projects within their jurisdictions. **Action Required** Coordinate the execution of sanctioned road and bridge projects and continue the delivery of services through camps and awareness drives. **Ministry of Home Affairs** **Impact** The Ministry oversees the scheme's funding and strategic direction to ensure the security and vibrancy of northern border regions. **Action Required** Monitor the progress of the 662 identified villages and manage the disbursement of the ₹2,513.35 crore sanctioned for infrastructure.

Key Entities Referenced