Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) Phase–II

Context

1. The Union Government has announced Phase–II of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) to cover strategic border villages along India’s boundaries with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
2. Earlier, Phase–I (launched in Budget 2022–23) was restricted to villages along the China border.
   Phase–II marks a major expansion, signalling a shift from only China-focused border development to a comprehensive development across multiple frontiers.

What is the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP)?

1. VVP is a government initiative aimed at developing border villages, improving local livelihoods and strengthening national security.
2. The idea behind is that if people continue to live, work, and prosper in border villages, those villages become natural security assets.

What was the phase-I of VVP and why was it China focused?

Key Details of Phase-I of VVP

1. It was introduced in the Union Budget 2022-23 for a duration up to 2025-26 covering states/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttrakhand and Ladakh.
2. Nature: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (Centre + States)
3. Focus Areas: Road connectivity, Village infrastructure, Health and education, Energy, telecom and TV connectivity, Incentives for residents to stay and Making villages self-reliant and vibrant.

Why was Phase-I of VVP China focused?

1. Phase–I was designed mainly to counter China’s “salami slicing” strategy.
2. This strategy involves gradual infrastructure building near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) so that slow expansion of control can be done without any large–scale conflict.
3. India responded to it by strengthening its own border villages so that local populations remain in place, infrastructure improves and security forces get community support (“eyes and ears” on the ground).

What is the Phase-II of VVP and why is it important?

Key Details of Phase-II of VVP

1. It significantly widens the scope of VVp by expanding the border coverage to Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
2. Its duration will be till FY 2027-28 and it will cover around 17 states/UTs.
3. Also, villages already developed under Phase-I are excluded.
4. Nature: Central sector scheme (100% funded by the Union Government)
5. Focus Areas:
   1. 4 Core Infrastructure Pillars: Road connectivity, Electrification, Village infrastructure and Telecom & TV connectivity.
   2. Economic Development Measures: Value-chain development, Tourism circuits, Promotion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives and Smart classrooms and education facilities.
   3. All-Weather Roads: Implemented through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase–IV to ensure year-round access.
   4. High-Powered Environmental Coordination: A committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary will allow suitable environmental relaxations in high-altitude and strategic areas, while maintaining safeguards.
   5. Technology Integration: The programme uses the PM Gati Shakti portal for inter-ministerial coordination, faster infrastructure planning and avoiding project duplication.
   6. Bottom-Up Planning: Development is guided by Village Action Plans. Plans are Border-specific, State-specific and Village-specific. Focus remains on actual local needs such as water, roads, power, and telecom.

Importance of Phase-II of VVP

1. Strategic Security: It will help prevent depopulation of border areas, improve troop mobility via better roads and strengthen communication with command centres.
2. Countering External Threats: It will strengthen sensitive borders with Pakistan and Myanmar and will also counter China’s salami slicing strategy.
3. Inclusive Development: Brings health, education, power, and livelihoods to remote regions.
4. Balanced Regional Growth: Integrates frontier regions into mainstream national development

Conclusion

Vibrant Village Programme Phase–II represents a shift from reactive border management to proactive frontier development. By combining infrastructure, livelihoods, technology, local participation and strategic planning, it seeks to transform border villages into resilient growth centres.

If implemented effectively, VVP Phase–II can prevent strategic encroachment, improve rural livelihoods, and strengthen India’s long-term frontier stability by aligning development with national security.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP)? 

It is a government initiative to develop border villages, improve livelihoods, and strengthen national security.

Q2. How was Phase–I of Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) different from Phase–II of Vibrant Village Programme (VVP)? 

Phase–I (2022–26) focused only on villages along the China border, while Phase–II (till 2027–28) expands to borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

Q3. What is the funding nature of Phase–II of Vibrant Village Programme (VVP)? 

It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Union Government.

Q4. What are the core focus areas of Phase–II of Vibrant Village Programme (VVP)? 

Road connectivity, electrification, village infrastructure, telecom & TV, plus economic measures like tourism circuits, SHGs, and smart classrooms.

Q5. Why is Phase–II of Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) strategically important? 

It prevents depopulation of border areas, strengthens troop mobility, counters external threats, and integrates frontier regions into national development.