Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)

Why in News?

The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) is being implemented by the Union Home Ministry in two phases to promote the comprehensive development of villages located along India’s international land borders. The programme seeks to address out-migration, poor connectivity, inadequate infrastructure and limited livelihood opportunities in frontier villages by transforming them into vibrant, secure and prosperous “first villages” that can contribute to border security and regional development.

About Vibrant Villages Programme -I (VVP-I)

The Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I) was announced in the Union Budget 2022–23 for villages along India’s northern border and was launched at Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh on 10 April 2023. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, implemented in collaboration with the States. The programme focuses on developing all-weather roads, drinking water, electricity, telecommunications, healthcare, education, tourism facilities and multipurpose community centres. It is based on Village Action Plans, with interventions tailored to border-specific, State-specific and village-specific requirements.

About Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II)

The Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) was approved by the Union Cabinet on 2 April 2025 and is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Union Government and implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was formally launched on 20 February 2026 at Nathanpur village in Cachar district of Assam. With an outlay of ₹6,839 crore up to 2028–29, it covers 1,954 villages in 334 border blocks along India’s other international land borders.

Together, VVP-I and VVP-II seek to cover more than 2,616 villages with a combined outlay of about ₹11,639 crore. By improving living conditions and creating local livelihood opportunities, the programme aims to reduce distress migration, strengthen the presence of communities in frontier areas and enhance border management and national security. The underlying approach is to view border settlements not as the “last villages”, but as India’s “first villages.”

CLICK HERE: UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED WEEKLY TEST (ENG & HINDI)

CLICK HERE FOR GS TIMES PRAHAR UPSC GS MAINS TEST SERIES 

CLICK HERE: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS)