Is Rs 4,800 crore Enough for the Development of Northern Border Villages by 2025-26?
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Synopsis
The Indian government has allocated a significant Rs 4,800 crore for the development of northern border villages. This funding aims to improve living conditions and strengthen community ties. Discover how this initiative will impact the border areas and the lives of those who call these regions home.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 4,800 crore allocated for northern border village development.
- Programme aims to improve living conditions and integrate communities.
- Vibrant Villages Programme-I covers 19 districts.
- National Disaster Response Force enhances disaster resilience.
- Additional funding for comprehensive development in border regions.
New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) In a bid to enhance living standards and integrate the border communities with the rest of the nation, the government has earmarked Rs 4,800 crore for the period between FY 2022-23 and 2025-26, specifically for villages located in 19 northern border districts, as reported to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, stated in a written response that these funds fall under the Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I). This initiative targets villages in 46 blocks adjacent to the northern border across Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh.
The project’s goals include fostering prosperous and secure borders, curbing trans-border crime, and creating sufficient livelihood opportunities, he added.
For villages not located on the northern border but already included in VVP-I, another Central Sector Scheme named Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) has been approved. This scheme has a total budget of Rs 6,839 crore for FY 2025-26 to 2028-29.
This program aims for comprehensive development in select villages situated in blocks near international land borders (ILBs) outside the scope of VVP-I, covering states and UTs such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
MoS Rai also pointed out the Border Area Development Programme (BADP), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) designed to address the unique developmental needs of those residing in border regions (currently in a sunset phase).
The allocation for BADP over the past decade amounts to Rs 6,634.24 crore, as per the inquiry from BJP MP Anil Baluni.
Emphasizing the importance of training citizens in these regions regarding natural disasters, Union Minister Rai mentioned that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been actively working on enhancing disaster resilience at the grassroots level by conducting Community Awareness Programmes in both urban and rural areas.
These initiatives are aimed at educating, sensitizing, and empowering local communities, especially those in disaster-prone areas, to respond efficiently during emergencies and reduce loss of life and property, Rai noted.
In the last five years, the NDRF has successfully executed 5,451 Community Awareness Programmes across border states, benefiting 7.68 lakh individuals, he added.
Point of View
The nation is taking a step forward in not only enhancing living conditions but also in promoting security and stability in these strategically vital areas.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Rs 4,800 crore allocation?
The allocation aims to improve living conditions and integrate border communities with the rest of the nation through various development initiatives.
Which regions will benefit from the Vibrant Villages Programme-I?
The programme will benefit villages in 19 northern border districts across Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh.
What additional schemes are in place for border development?
In addition to VVP-I, the Vibrant Villages Programme-II has also been approved for comprehensive development of select villages near international land borders.
How does the National Disaster Response Force contribute to this initiative?
The NDRF conducts Community Awareness Programmes to educate local communities about disaster resilience and emergency response.
What is the significance of the Border Area Development Programme?
The BADP addresses the unique developmental needs of people living in border areas and is crucial for their well-being.
