Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)

Why in News?

Recently, the Home Minister launched VVP-II, covering 1,954 strategic villages along borders.

• It is a central sector scheme (100% Centre funding).
• Launched in – VVP Phase I in 2023.
• VVP Phase II cleared by the Union Cabinet in April 2025.
• Nodal Ministry – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Implementation – In select strategic villages of States/UTs.
• Objectives – Growth – Holistic development of border villages through improved infrastructure, livelihoods, and social well-being.
• Unity – Integration of border communities with the nation, promoting national cohesion and cultural assimilation.
• Security – Curb trans-border crimes by involving residents as “eyes and ears” of the border guarding forces (BGFs).
• Mechanism – Strengthen infrastructure and livelihood opportunities by leveraging existing government schemes.
• Conduct culturally sensitive outreach to build trust and encourage community participation in security efforts.
• Coverage –
  • VVP Phase I for the China border.
  • VVP Phase II will also cover villages along Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• Strategic States – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
  • Allocation – It is proposed that Rs. 3 crore will be spent in each village.
• Duration – For financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29.
• Significance – VVP-II, along with VVP-I, is a transformative initiative to make the border villages self-reliant and vibrant.

Reference

TH | Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)