Government Allocates Rs 1,050 Crore for Comprehensive Development of Border Villages

The Indian government has allocated Rs 1,050 crore for the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) for 2024-25 in the Union Budget. The initiative focuses on developing villages in remote areas along the border with China, targeting improvements in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure to reverse out-migration.

The Indian government has announced a significant allocation of Rs 1,050 crore for the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) in the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative aims at the comprehensive development of select villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh, located along the border with China.

Approved as a centrally-sponsored scheme on February 15, 2023, with a total outlay of Rs 4,800 crore for the period between 2022-23 and 2025-26, the VVP intends to improve the quality of life in these remote areas. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the objective of the programme during the budget presentation, emphasizing the need to reverse out-migration and provide livelihood opportunities through sectors like agriculture, tourism, and cultural heritage.

The Union Home Ministry is implementing the VVP, which includes various initiatives such as creating job opportunities, enhancing road connectivity, promoting renewable energy uses, and establishing television and telecom networks. The importance of tourism and cultural promotion was underscored, with plans to build tourism-related infrastructure and promote activities like eco-tourism and local fairs. The home ministry has intensified efforts with Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducting a high-level review of the programme's progress in July.

(With inputs from agencies.)