Meghalaya's Chief Minister Announces 92 Villages for Vibrant Village Initiative
Synopsis
Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced that 92 villages will be part of the Vibrant Village Programme-II, designed to support border development until 2028-29. This initiative follows the cessation of the earlier Border Areas Development Programme.
Key Takeaways
92 villages selected for Vibrant Village Programme-II.
Programme runs until 2028-29 .
Overseen by the state’s Border Areas Development department.
Initiative follows the end of the BADP .
State government allocated Rs 14.99 crore for border development.
Shillong, Feb 23 (NationPress) In a significant announcement, Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma revealed on Monday that 92 villages across the state have been chosen for the Vibrant Village Programme-II. This comes even as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has yet to announce the implementation dates for the initiative.
Responding to queries in the Assembly, CM Sangma noted that the programme is set to run until 2028-29 and will be managed by the state's Border Areas Development (BAD) department.
He elaborated that the Vibrant Village Programme was initiated following the cessation of the Border Areas Development Programme (BADP) in September 2022.
“The Government of India decided to replace the discontinued BADP with the new Vibrant Village Programme,” CM Sangma stated.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by various MLAs regarding funding for border regions post-BADP's termination.
“After discussions with MLAs about funding needs due to BADP's discontinuation, I have allocated some resources, albeit insufficient given the need to address both interstate and international borders,” he mentioned.
CM Sangma emphasized that the state government remains committed to addressing development requirements in border regions, advising against evaluating progress solely based on BADP funding.
“Development in border areas cannot be solely assessed by the expenditures under BADP,” he asserted, highlighting that other funding sources, such as Lafarge SPV support, have also aided development in places like Mawsynram and Shella.
The Chief Minister raised concerns regarding the composition of district-level committees under the Vibrant Village Programme.
According to the guidelines from the Centre, these committees do not include elected MLAs—a point the state government has already brought to the attention of New Delhi.
“Final decisions on these matters rest with the Central government. I will personally address this issue,” CM Sangma assured the Assembly.
Additionally, he announced that the state government has allocated Rs 14.99 crore specifically for the development of inter-state borders, reaffirming Meghalaya's dedication to enhancing infrastructure and living standards in its border areas.
Point of View
Especially following the discontinuation of previous programs.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Village Programme-II?
The Vibrant Village Programme-II is an initiative launched by the Government of India to enhance the development of border areas, replacing the earlier Border Areas Development Programme.
How many villages are included in the programme?
A total of 92 villages in Meghalaya have been selected for the Vibrant Village Programme-II.
When will the programme be implemented?
The programme is set to be implemented until 2028-29, though exact dates have yet to be announced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Who oversees the implementation of this programme?
The implementation of the Vibrant Village Programme-II will be managed by the Border Areas Development department of Meghalaya.
What funding challenges are associated with the programme?
Following the discontinuation of the previous BADP, there have been concerns regarding adequate funding for border areas, which the state government is addressing.
