Vibrant Villages Programme-II Launched in Cachar, Assam
Union Home Minister Amit Shah formally launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) on February 20, 2026, at Nathanpur village in Cachar district of Assam. The launch marks a significant step towards strengthening India's border villages and transforming them from being perceived as the 'last villages' into the 'first villages' of the nation.
The initiative reflects the Government's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by ensuring inclusive and sustainable development in frontier regions.
What is Vibrant Villages Programme-II?
Vibrant Villages Programme-II is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Central Government. The scheme focuses on the comprehensive development of villages located in border areas through a saturation-based and convergence-driven approach.
Key Coverage Details:
-
Implemented across 15 States and 2 Union Territories
-
Covers 1,954 border villages across India
-
Total financial outlay: ₹6,839 crore
-
Implementation period: Up to financial year 2028-29
In Assam, the programme will benefit 140 villages across 9 districts and 26 blocks, primarily along the Indo-Bangladesh border in the Barak Valley region.
Why Cachar District Was Chosen
Cachar district shares a porous international border with Bangladesh. The launch at Nathanpur village highlights the strategic importance of Southern Assam in strengthening national security and ensuring development in sensitive border areas.
The decision emphasizes that border villages are not peripheral regions but crucial entry points of the country.
Major Objectives of VVP-II
1. Saturation-Based Development
The programme ensures 100 percent coverage of central and state government schemes in border villages. This includes:
-
Health facilities
-
Education infrastructure
-
Electricity connectivity
-
Drinking water supply
-
Road connectivity
-
Basic public services
The goal is to eliminate developmental gaps in border areas.
2. Strengthening Border Security
Residents of border villages are encouraged to act as the 'eyes and ears' of the nation. This helps:
-
Prevent cross-border crimes
-
Reduce infiltration
-
Strengthen internal security
-
Support border guarding forces
3. Preventing Out-Migration
By providing infrastructure and livelihood opportunities similar to urban areas, the scheme aims to reduce migration from border villages and stabilize local populations.
4. Economic Development and Livelihood Creation
The programme promotes sustainable economic growth through:
-
Agriculture development
-
Horticulture cooperative societies
-
Promotion of local cultural heritage
-
Tourism potential
-
Skill development initiatives
This approach ensures long-term income generation for rural communities.
Implementation Approach
VVP-II follows a convergence-driven model, meaning multiple government schemes are integrated to ensure holistic development rather than isolated interventions.
The scheme focuses on infrastructure creation, service delivery improvement, and community empowerment to build secure and resilient border communities.
Additional Highlights of the Visit
During his visit, the Union Home Minister also reviewed border security arrangements and the progress of border fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. He attended official events in Assam and Tripura as part of the broader administrative visit.
Important Points for Assam GK and Competitive Exams
-
Launched by: Union Home Minister Amit Shah
-
Launch Date: February 20, 2026
-
Launch Location: Nathanpur village, Cachar district, Assam
-
Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme
-
Total Outlay: ₹6,839 crore
-
Coverage: 1,954 villages across 15 States and 2 Union Territories
-
Assam Beneficiary Villages: 140 villages
-
Focus Area in Assam: Barak Valley along the Indo-Bangladesh border
-
Implementation Period: Up to the financial year 2028-29
-
Approach: Saturation-based and convergence-driven
This topic is highly important for:
-
APSC
-
Assam Police exams
-
State-level competitive exams
-
Current Affairs sections
Conclusion
The launch of Vibrant Villages Programme-II in Cachar represents a strategic and developmental milestone for Assam's border regions. By combining infrastructure development, economic empowerment and security strengthening, the programme aims to transform border villages into vibrant growth centers.
The initiative reinforces the idea that India's border villages are not the last points of the country, but the first line of national strength and development.
