Government launched the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' at Kibithoo - a border village in 2023.It is a Centrally sponsored scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 (to 2025-26) for development of villages on the northern border, thus improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages.
The Vibrant Village Programme aims at comprehensive development of the select villages in mission mode and through multi-pronged strategy, by identification and development of key economic drivers based on local, natural, human and other resources.
It will cover the border areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Ladakh.It will cover 2,963 villages with 662 of them to be covered in the first phase.Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of Gram Panchayats.
It aims to consolidate control along the tense Himalayan frontier while also improving living standards and opportunities for the local population. The program includes the development of essential infrastructure such as all-weather roads, drinking water supplies, round-the-clock electricity with a focus on solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, and health and wellness centers.
Apart from strengthening border security, the village program is designed to improve living standards and create opportunities by developing essential infrastructure in some 2,967 villages in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the federally governed Ladakh -- another focus of tensions with China.
The government's approach is not only about strengthening border security but also about making the region more attractive for residents, thus stemming migration to major cities in search of better education and job opportunities. By providing last-mile connectivity and essential facilities, the Indian government hopes to consolidate the border areas and create incentives for the local population to stay and thrive in their villages.
How is it different from Chinese programmes ?
China has carried out similar development projects along its side of the border, setting up model villages with modern amenities. However, India's strategy is more focused on civilian development rather than a purely militaristic approach. While tensions between India and China persist over Arunachal Pradesh and other border areas, New Delhi's efforts to consolidate control and develop the region aim to create a more proactive and positive environment for border management and dispute resolution.
