Amit Shah Reviews 'Vibrant Villages Programme': Focus on Jobs, Connectivity

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' in New Delhi, emphasizing employment and connectivity to prevent migration from border areas. Key focus areas included support from CAPFs and the Army, renewable energy use, and government-backed development projects across 136 border villages.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed the implementation of the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' at a high-level meeting in New Delhi, highlighting the necessity to create employment opportunities and enhance connectivity to curb migration from border villages.

In the meeting, Shah stressed that Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Army stationed near these villages should support local agriculture and handicrafts through cooperative purchases. The Home Minister also urged for the utilization of healthcare facilities available for the Army and CAPFs to benefit nearby residents.

Additionally, Shah emphasized the importance of adopting renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, in these villages. He underscored the government's commitment to the all-round development of border villages and directed continuous efforts to understand and address their issues.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revealed that over 6,000 events, including 4,000 service and awareness camps, have been organized in these villages. More than 600 initiatives have been approved to generate employment. Shah called for regular high-level reviews to resolve pending issues.

Senior MHA officials, including the Union Home Secretary and the Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), attended the meeting. Under the 'Vibrant Villages Programme,' 136 border villages are set to gain connectivity through 113 all-weather road projects costing Rs 2,420 crore.

The MHA added that 4G connectivity is being rapidly deployed, with full coverage expected by December 2024. Financial inclusion efforts include facilitating India Post-Payment Banks (IPPB). The development of tourism circuits is being coordinated with the Ministry of Tourism to attract more visitors.

Launched on February 14, 2023, with a Rs 4,800 crore budget, the 'Vibrant Villages Programme' is a Central government's ambitious scheme aimed at the comprehensive development of villages in 46 blocks across 19 districts near the northern border.

The programme's focus areas include livelihood generation through tourism and cultural heritage, skill development, cooperative societies, agriculture, and renewable energy. Infrastructure projects under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) have been approved to address essential needs in these border villages.

(With inputs from agencies.)