Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), Objectives and Focus Areas

Vibrant Village Programme is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government that Aims for comprehensive development of villages along India's northern border to improve the quality of life.

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Context: The Indian government plans to spend over ₹2 crore per kilometre for constructing roads along the China border in Uttarakhand and Sikkim as part of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP). The Union Cabinet has approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II for financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29.

Vibrant Village Programme (VVP)

Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) is a Government of India initiative that seeks to develop and rejuvenate villages in frontier areas, mainly along the border with China. It aims to ensure infrastructure growth, livelihood chances, and social welfare to halt migration and build security.

Implementation: Centrally Sponsored Scheme from 2022-23 to 2025-26.

Approximately 68% of villages in the first phase of VVP are in Arunachal Pradesh.
Out of the total VVP budget of ₹4,800 crore for three financial years (2023-24 to 2025-26), about ₹2,500 crore is allocated for road construction.

Coverage: 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh.
Planning: Vibrant Village Action Plans created by district administration with Gram Panchayats.
Coordination: Ensures 100% saturation of Central and state schemes without overlapping with the Border Area Development Programme.

Objectives

Develop essential infrastructure
Create livelihood opportunities
Improve the quality of life in border villages
Encourage people to stay in their native locations
Enhance border security

Focus Areas

Road connectivity
Drinking water
Electricity (including solar and wind energy)
Mobile and internet connectivity
Healthcare infrastructure and wellness centres

About the Vibrant Villages Programme II

Vibrant Villages Programme II is a Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre funding).
- VVP – I was a centrally sponsored scheme.
It will be implemented in select villages in the following States/UTs:
- Northeast: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura.
- North: Jammu & Kashmir (UT), Ladakh (UT), Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh.
- East: Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh.
- West: Rajasthan, Gujarat
VVP-II builds upon VVP-I, which focuses on villages along the Northern Border only.
A High-Powered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary will oversee implementation of the scheme.