New Delhi: Union Cabinet on Wednesday, 15th February has appproved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- "Vibrant Villages Programme" (VVP) for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26, with a cash allocation of Rs 4,800 crore,
The aim of this programme is to reduce emigration from villages in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh that are close to India's border with China by enhancing the quality of life there via infrastructure development and border security.
The programme will offer funding for the construction of necessary infrastructure and the creation of job opportunities in 19 border blocks and 46 states, as well as one union territory (UT), along the country's northern land boundary.
A total of 663 communities will be included in the first phase. The district government, with the assistance of Gram Panchayats, will develop vibrant village action plans. The initiative will guarantee complete saturation of federal and state programmes.
Connectivity to all-weather roads, drinkable water, 24 hour power (with a concentration on solar and wind energy), and internet and mobile connection are among the key objectives that have been explored. There will also be construction of visitor centres, multipurpose buildings, and health and wellness facilities.
The Border Area Development Project shall not be overlapped, it must be underlined. Roads will receive Rs 2,500 crore of the Rs 4,800 crore funding allocation.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, "the strategy assists to discover and develop the economic drivers based on local natural human and other resources of the border settlements on the northern frontier."
"It helps in the creation of growth centres on the 'Hub and Spoke Model' via promotion of social entrepreneurship, empowerment of young people and women through skill development and entrepreneurship, leveraging the tourist potential through promotion of local culture, traditional knowledge, and history, and development of sustainable eco-agribusinesses on the idea of 'One village-One product' through community-based organisations, cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs, etc.," the ministry avers.
The initial announcement of VVP was made in the Finance Minister's Budget Address for 2022.
ALSO READ: How Chittchore has been winning hearts through quality
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
