Govt continues to focus on border villages' development

As the government continues its thrust on comprehensive development of villages located remote areas along the border with China, the Union Budget has allocated Rs 1,050 crore for the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) that will benefit select villages in 19 districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

The government approved the VVP as a centrally-sponsored scheme on February 15, 2023, with an outlay of Rs 4,800 crore for 2022-23 to 2025-26 for development of these villages in 46 blocks abutting the northern border.

The budget, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, has earmarked Rs 1,050 crore for the VVP for 2024-25. The objective of the programme, implemented by the Union home ministry, is comprehensive development of these villages to improve the quality of life of people and thereby reversing out-migration, officials said.

One of the sectors identified for development is promotion of tourism and culture by augmenting various tourism-related infrastructure, promoting community managed home stays, organising local fairs and festivals, promoting eco-tourism, agro-tourism, wellness, wildlife, spiritual and adventure tourism and local cuisines.