Vibrant villages programme gets cabinet go ahead

• The decision was passed by Union Cabinet to ensure services and development reaches the border regions under the centrally-sponsored scheme.
  • The program would have components of central sector schemes with 100 per cent direct funding and focus on factors such as economic growth, livelihood generation, road connectivity, development of cooperative sectors for 24×7 electricity and water, along with the promotion of tourism of culture.
• An amount of ₹4,800 crores have been allocated to the development of the villages along the northern border under the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ (VVP).
  • Out of total Rs. 4800 Crore, 2500 crore rupees will be used for roads.
• The approved funds would aim to develop essential infrastructure and generate livelihood opportunities in 19 districts and 46 border blocks in four states – Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory Ladakh.
  • As a part of the project’s first phase, 663 villages in the north will be taken up.
• The growth development model will be centred on the ‘hub and spoke model’ and look into promoting and empowering entrepreneurs, youth, and women.
• It would also tailor the projects according to the region and look into the economic drivers based on the locally-available natural, human, and other resources.
• Traditional knowledge, heritage, and potential for sustainable eco-agri-businesses to be emphasized in planning and executing projects.
• The core idea associated with taking VVP to the remote border villages is to ensure all government schemes reach even the remotest villages for development and also from national security perspective.

Scheme implementation

• Each village panchayat will create Vibrant Village Action Plan with the help of the District administration.
• Focus should be on drinking water, 24/7 electricity, all-weather roads, solar energy projects, wind energy projects, internet connections, tourist centres, health and wellness centres, multi-purpose centres, etc.