Government Approves 156 Tourism Projects Under Vibrant Villages Programme

Union Minister Nityanand Rai announced the approval of 156 projects worth Rs 62.68 crore under the Vibrant Villages Programme. Aimed at developing 662 border villages across five states and UT of Ladakh, the program targets comprehensive development, focusing on tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, stated on Wednesday that the government has sanctioned 156 projects, totaling Rs 62.68 crore, to foster tourism under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). Addressing a question from BJP MP Kesridevsinh Jhala, Rai highlighted the identification of 662 border villages for priority development under the initiative.

The Vibrant Villages Programme, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, was greenlit by the Central Government on February 15, 2023. It targets comprehensive development in select villages across 46 blocks near the northern border, spanning 19 districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Ladakh. According to Rai, villages identified for priority development include 455 in Arunachal Pradesh, 75 in Himachal Pradesh, 35 in Ladakh, 46 in Sikkim, and 51 in Uttarakhand.

Rai emphasized the program's strategy for convergence of central and state government schemes for holistic village development. He noted that beyond the sanctioned projects, over 350 activities have been conducted to bolster tourism. The initiative's objective is to enhance the quality of life in these villages, thereby curbing outmigration. The program focuses on livelihood generation through agriculture, tourism, and cultural heritage, along with infrastructure, energy, and financial inclusion advances.

(With inputs from agencies.)