Vibrant Village Programme-II, ensuring last-mile connectivity

Summary

The transcript outlines a significant initiative led by the Prime Minister of India to develop border villages under the Vibrant Villages Program. The program aims to improve the infrastructure, economy, and connectivity of nearly 2000 villages along the country's borders, ensuring their prosperity and security. The project focuses on upgrading basic amenities like electricity, roads, telecom, and TV connectivity, while promoting local businesses and trade. By investing in these areas, the government strives to maintain strategic security, boost economic activities, and provide better living conditions in remote regions, ultimately fostering national growth and stability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prime Minister Modi's vision for 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' focuses on the development of border villages, turning them from 'last villages' into thriving first villages of the country.
• 😀 The 'Vibrant Villages Program' aims to develop over 2000 border villages located across India's borders, with a holistic approach to infrastructure and livelihoods.
• 😀 The first phase of the 'Vibrant Villages Program' began about 18 months ago, with active involvement from ministers and senior officers who conducted field visits.
• 😀 Personal involvement of government officials, such as the author’s visit to Sikkim and China’s border, demonstrates the commitment to the project.
• 😀 The initiative integrates all government ministries and various state and central programs, focusing on the basic needs of these villages such as electricity, roads, water, telecom, and TV connectivity.
• 😀 A key part of the program is improving local economies by promoting trade between border villagers and security forces (like ITBP and BSF), enhancing local GDP and reducing transportation costs.
• 😀 Developing border villages is a strategic priority for national security, ensuring that these areas remain populated and economically active.
• 😀 The second phase of the program, approved in 2023, includes ₹839 crore in funding and expands coverage to additional border areas with new projects.
• 😀 The second phase also addresses border areas in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, and those related to Bangladesh, Mizoram, and Myanmar, ensuring comprehensive development across India's borders.
• 😀 The program emphasizes not just infrastructure but also the growth of livelihood opportunities, education, healthcare, and tourism, contributing to both the prosperity and safety of these areas.

Q & A

What is the key vision behind the Prime Minister's initiative for border villages?

The key vision is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (Collective Effort, Collective Development), focusing on the development and prosperity of border villages. The initiative aims to transform these villages into vital parts of the country with improved infrastructure and connectivity.

How were border villages viewed in the past, and how has the Prime Minister changed this perception?

Border villages were historically seen as the last villages on the country's border, often neglected. However, the Prime Minister has redefined this by declaring some of these villages as the 'First Village' of the country, focusing on their development and integration into the national framework.

What is the Vibrant Villages Program, and how does it aim to transform border areas?

The Vibrant Villages Program identifies nearly 2,000 border villages and aims to develop them through various infrastructure projects. The first phase of this program started around 1.5 years ago, focusing on essential facilities like electricity, roads, water, telecom, and tourism, all aimed at improving the livelihoods and security of the border population.

What was the approach taken by the Prime Minister's team to understand the needs of these border villages?

Ministers and senior officers, including the speaker themselves, personally visited these villages to assess their conditions, staying overnight to experience the local challenges and understand the needs firsthand. This approach helped in creating focused, ground-level solutions.

What role does local production play in the development of border villages?

Local producers, farmers, and small traders play a significant role in the economy of these villages. The government has started purchasing local produce directly from these communities, which boosts the local GDP, reduces transportation costs, and supports economic activity in the villages.

Why is keeping border villages prosperous important for national security?

If border villages become empty or underdeveloped, they pose a strategic risk to national security. Prosperous and well-connected villages contribute to the country's defense by maintaining a stable population and providing support for defense forces stationed in these areas.

What specific areas are included in the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Program?

The second phase includes projects not only in the Indo-China border regions but also areas related to the borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab. This phase aims to cover a broader range of border areas to ensure their development and connectivity.

How does the government plan to ensure that border villages have all-weather connectivity?

The government is working on providing complete all-weather road connectivity to border villages, ensuring that they remain accessible in all seasons. This includes infrastructure projects like roads, electricity, telecom, and television services to enhance communication and development.

How does the government plan to enhance the livelihoods of people in border villages?

The government is focusing on creating opportunities for better livelihoods by improving connectivity, infrastructure, and access to markets. The Vibrant Villages Program also emphasizes the development of tourism and local industries to provide sustainable economic opportunities.

What additional schemes are integrated into the development of border villages under this program?

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the program integrates various government schemes related to education, healthcare, and self-help groups. These programs are converged in a saturation mode to ensure holistic development of the population in these areas.