Amit Shah Launches Vibrant Villages Programme Phase-II
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme in Assam’s Cachar district, focusing on infrastructure, livelihoods and border security.
CACHAR-(Assam)- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) at Nathanpur village along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam’s Cachar district, marking a major step in the Centre’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure, security and livelihoods in India’s frontier regions.
The central sector scheme, with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore to be implemented until the financial year 2028-29, aims to transform remote border settlements into “vibrant, secure and prosperous communities”. The programme will cover 1,954 villages across 334 blocks in 17 states and two Union Territories, including several northeastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
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In Assam, the initiative will target 140 villages spread across 26 blocks in nine districts, focusing on improving connectivity, access to essential services and economic opportunities. Officials said the scheme adopts a convergence-driven and saturation-based approach, prioritising infrastructure development, healthcare, education, water supply, tourism promotion, skill development and local economic activities.
Addressing the gathering, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised transforming border settlements into the “first and finest villages” of India. He noted that strengthening infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in frontier areas would help prevent migration, reduce cross-border crimes and empower local communities to contribute to national security.
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The Home Minister also referred to the achievements of the first phase of the programme, which focused on villages along the northern border and saw more than 2,500 projects sanctioned. He said the second phase would expand development to additional strategic border regions, aligning with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Shah’s visit to Assam is part of a two-day tour of the Northeast, during which he is scheduled to review border security arrangements and attend a regional official language conference in Tripura. The launch of VVP-II reflects the Centre’s continued emphasis on inclusive growth, connectivity and resilience in India’s border states.
