The Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TP
Subject: Government Scheme
Context: Union Home Minister launched the Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II) in Assam’s Cachar district to promote comprehensive development of border villages.
About The Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II):
What it is?
• The Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II) is a Central Sector Scheme focused on the comprehensive development of villages located in blocks abutting India’s International Land Borders (ILBs) (excluding northern border areas already covered under VVP-I).
Launched in:
• Approved by the Central Government for implementation during FY 2024-25 to 2025-26, with financial support extending up to 2028-29.
• Officially launched in February 2026 at Nathanpur village, Cachar district, Assam.
History:
• 1986-87: Border Area Development Programme (BADP) launched to fill infrastructure gaps in border regions.
• Over time, border villages continued to face migration, livelihood insecurity and development deficits.
• 2023: Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-I) launched for northern borders to reverse out-migration and strengthen strategic villages.
• VVP-II: Extended the model to other international land borders (Indo-Bangladesh, Indo-Nepal, Indo-Myanmar, Indo-Bhutan, Indo-Pakistan etc.) across 15 States and 2 UTs with area-specific strategies.
• To address infrastructure gaps, improve living conditions and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in border villages.
• To integrate border populations with mainstream development and enable them to act as “eyes and ears” for border guarding forces.
Key Features:
• Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore up to FY 2028-29.
• Implemented across 15 States and 2 Union Territories.
• Saturation-based approach: Ensures coverage of all eligible households under existing government schemes.
• Convergence model: Integrates multiple flagship schemes for efficient resource use.
• Focus on 4 core infrastructure themes: All-weather road connectivity (PMGSY-IV) Telecom connectivity (Digital Bharat Nidhi) Television connectivity (BIND scheme) Electrification (RDSS)
• All-weather road connectivity (PMGSY-IV)
• Telecom connectivity (Digital Bharat Nidhi)
• Television connectivity (BIND scheme)
• Electrification (RDSS)
• Identification of 1,954 strategic villages for intensive development.
• Livelihood promotion through tourism, SHGs, FPOs, skill development and financial inclusion.
• Border-specific outreach activities to build trust between communities and border security forces.