Union Home Minister recently launched Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) from Nathanpur village in Assam’s Cachar district. It aims to strengthen border villages and promote inclusive development in border areas.
It builds on the first phase (VVP-I), which focused solely on the northern (China) border, this 2nd phase significantly expands India’s strategic reach to include villages along the borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
About Vibrant Villages Programme II
| Aspect | Details |
| Objective | Ensure comprehensive and sustainable development of border villages through a saturation-based and convergence-driven approach Create better living conditions and adequate livelihood opportunities; ensure prosperous and safe borders; control trans-border crime Assimilate border population with the nation and involve them as “eyes and ears” of border guarding forces |
| Focus | Improve essential infrastructure, enhance access to basic services, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, thereby fostering secure, resilient and prosperous border communities in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. |
| Coverage | Covers 1,954 strategic villages across 15 States & 2 UTs abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than Northern border already covered under VVP-I |
| 15 States & 2 UTs | Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal |
| Total Outlay | ₹6,839 crore |
| Type | Central Sector Scheme (100% Centrally Funded) |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Duration | Up to FY 2028–29 |
| Approach | Saturation of individual/household welfare schemes through convergenceVillage-specific interventions based on Village Action PlansSaturate all villages in such blocks through convergence under existing scheme norms in 4 thematic areas, namely 1. All-weather road connectivity 2. Telecom connectivity 3. Television connectivity 4. Electrification |
| Fund Support | Infrastructure development at village/cluster level; value chain development (cooperatives, SHGs); border-specific outreach; SMART classes; tourism circuit development; projects for diverse & sustainable livelihood generation |
| Village Action Plans (VAPs) | For Border-, state-, and village-specific interventions;They will be prepared through a collaborative approach |
| All-Weather Road Connectivity | To be undertaken under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) of Ministry of Rural Development |
| Relaxation Mechanism | High-Powered Committee chaired by Cabinet Secretary to allow suitable relaxations in scheme guidelines for border areas |
| Enhancing Vibrancy Measures | Fairs, festivals, awareness camps, celebration of national days; regular visits & night stays by Ministers and senior officials |
| Tourism & Cultural Promotion | Boost tourism potential; promote local culture and heritage |
| Technology Integration | Use of digital databases such as PM GatiShakti for planning and implementation |