Kathua Border Villages Added

Six border villages in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir have been included under the Vibrant Village Programme-II (VVP-II). The villages are Bobiya, Kadyala, Gajnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua, and Gujjar Chak, and all are located along the International Border.

Vibrant Village Programme-II

Vibrant Village Programme-II is a Central Government scheme for the development of border villages in selected districts. The programme covers infrastructure creation, welfare scheme saturation, and improved access to basic services in remote border areas.

• The programme seeks better roads, healthcare, education, electricity, and drinking water facilities in border villages.
• The programme also includes livelihood support and last-mile delivery of flagship welfare schemes.
• In Jammu and Kashmir, 124 strategic villages across 43 border blocks in eight districts are being developed under VVP-II.
• Kathua district has recorded 100% electrification coverage in the villages covered under the programme.

Administrative Process In Kathua

The inclusion of the six villages was finalised in a meeting chaired by Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma on 25 April 2026. On 3 April 2026, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the Village Action Plans for these villages to ensure 100% saturation of welfare schemes and to bridge infrastructure gaps.

• Officials were directed to complete implementation on time with regular monitoring and inter-departmental coordination.
• Field-level verification and identification of gaps were included in the planning process.
• Community participation was part of the implementation framework for the six villages.

Border Area Development Context

Border village development in India is linked to connectivity, public services, and basic infrastructure in remote frontier areas. VVP-II is used for villages near international borders in states and Union Territories such as Jammu and Kashmir. VVP-II is associated with border area development, welfare saturation, and infrastructure expansion in strategically located villages. Kathua district lies in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir and shares an international border with Pakistan.