Union Home Minister Amit Shah underscored the significance of border security and the development of vibrant villages during a workshop on the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ (VVP). Shah emphasized that the security of the country’s borders is a top priority for the Modi government as it is directly linked to national security. He further stated that ensuring the well-being of villages, including access to education, healthcare, and other amenities, would contribute to an additional layer of border security.
Shah highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s belief that border villages are not merely the last villages of the country but the first. This ideology led to the conceptualization of the VVP, which aims to address two crucial security aspects. Firstly, it aims to halt migration from border villages in remote areas with challenging climatic conditions. Secondly, it seeks to develop these villages and bolster the overall security infrastructure.
The home minister commended the prime minister’s efforts since 2014 to improve border infrastructure and implement numerous welfare schemes for border villages. The VVP serves as a further step to prevent migration from these areas. Shah urged district collectors in border districts to take at least five initiatives annually in each border village to promote the Vibrant Villages Programme. These initiatives encompass tourism, employment generation, agriculture, handicrafts, enhancing basic facilities, and achieving full coverage of central and state schemes.
Shah emphasized the potential of homestay facilities to encourage and support the VVP. He also highlighted the scope for generating employment through cooperatives in VVP villages, proposing that at least 30 percent of the daily expenditure of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) should be linked to rural employment opportunities. He urged regular reviews at all levels to establish connectivity with 168 unconnected border villages across different states and Union Territories.
Regarding infrastructure development, Shah mentioned that the government of India has invested over Rs 25,000 crore in the past nine years. Notably, a 1,134-kilometer border road has been constructed, and most check-posts have been completed. He outlined three primary approaches to developing border villages: ensuring comprehensive coverage of government welfare schemes, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering digital and emotional connectivity with the rest of the country.
Shah emphasized the need to prioritize vibrant villages in the implementation of schemes at both the central and state levels. He emphasized that every village, as per the spirit of the Constitution, has an equal right to national resources, and none should be deprived of them. Shah even suggested adding an ‘I’ to VVP, transforming it into ‘VVIP’ or ‘Very Very Important Programme.’ He emphasized that the time has come, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, to ensure inclusive development for all citizens, providing them with fundamental necessities like drinking water, electricity, and healthcare facilities.
