On Friday, the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, announced that through the flagship Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) of the Centre, the remotest villages of the state are being integrated into the mainstream of development. Giving the information about the initiative, he mentioned that Phase I of the transformation has identified 455 priority villages in 11 border districts.
Khandu says that 102 new roads will soon interconnect 125 villages with 1,022 km and 156 villages with 187 projects costing approximately ₹105 crore. Some of the projects undertaken are the laying out of more than 6,000 streetlights and the development of 50 mini and micro hydel projects, which will supply clean and sustainable power in isolated regions.
Emphasising the long-term dedication of the government, Khandu further explained that Phase II of the programme, which was initiated in April this year, will extend to 122 additional villages, which will include 67 villages along the India-Myanmar border and 55 along the India-Bhutan border. VVP activities in Arunachal Pradesh have been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and allocated 2205 crore.
The chief minister has termed the programme as a historic investment and said it is not only about infrastructure, but also about empowering communities at the border. It is regarding the preservation of the dignity of our border citizens as the original custodians of the borders of our country, he said.
The Vibrant Villages Programme, which was launched in 2023 by the Centre, aims to enhance the quality of living in border settlements through delivering modern connectivity, livelihood opportunities, and basic needs. The government has said that the programme is aimed at deterring outmigration of people in the remote border towns by establishing socio-economic conditions that hold the communities in place.
The Vibrant Villages Programme is concerned with ensuring that our border villages become vibrant, self-reliant and sustainable in a manner that they remain equal partners in the national growth agenda, Khandu said.
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