New Delhi, Feb 3:The Centre has approved the implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) in two phases to ensure comprehensive development of villages located along India’s international borders, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
Under Vibrant Villages Programme–I (VVP-I), approved as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on February 15, 2023, 662 villages in 46 blocks across 19 districts along the northern border have been identified for priority development. These villages are located in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Further expanding the initiative, the government approved Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II) on April 2, 2025, as a Central Sector Scheme. Under VVP-II, 1,954 villages located in blocks abutting international land borders in 15 States and two Union Territories, other than those covered under the northern border, have been identified for comprehensive development.
Giving details of the progress under VVP-I, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said 2,558 projects and works with a total outlay of ₹3,431 crore have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the programme and through convergence with other central ministries and departments.
Among the states, Arunachal Pradesh received the highest allocation with 2,082 projects worth ₹2,749.74 crore, followed by Uttarakhand with 200 projects worth ₹270.58 crore, Sikkim with 63 projects worth ₹188.9 crore, Himachal Pradesh with 133 projects worth ₹126.01 crore, and Ladakh with 88 projects worth ₹95.76 crore.
The minister said that more than 8,500 activities have been undertaken under VVP-I so far, including awareness drives, service delivery camps, training and capacity-building programmes, health and veterinary camps, fairs and festivals, and initiatives to promote tourism. Arunachal Pradesh accounted for the highest number of activities at 2,966, followed by Ladakh (2,221), Uttarakhand (1,836), Himachal Pradesh (1,016) and Sikkim (530).
While no formal impact assessment has been carried out, the Arunachal Pradesh government has reported instances of people returning to villages in border districts such as Kurung Kumey, Dibang Valley, and Shi-Yomi, the minister said.
The information was provided in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. (PIB)
