The Government has expanded the Vibrant Villages Programme to strengthen development in India’s border areas. The initiative now covers villages along both the northern border and other international land borders. It aims to improve infrastructure, livelihoods and basic services in remote border settlements, while also supporting population retention in strategically important areas.
Vibrant Villages Programme-I
Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I) was approved on 15 February 2023 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. It focuses on select villages in 46 blocks abutting the northern border in 19 districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Initially, 662 villages were identified for comprehensive development under VVP-I. The scheme seeks to improve connectivity, housing, tourism, energy, and public amenities in these border villages.
Vibrant Villages Programme-II
Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) was approved on 2 April 2025 as a Central Sector Scheme. It covers villages located in blocks abutting international land borders in 15 States and 2 Union Territories, excluding the northern border areas already covered under VVP-I. Under VVP-II, 1,954 villages have been identified for comprehensive development. The programme broadens the border development framework beyond the Himalayan frontier to other sensitive land border regions.
Projects and Implementation
Under VVP-I, 2,558 projects and works have been sanctioned with an outlay of ₹3,431 crore. These projects have been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and through convergence with Central Ministries and Departments. The scheme is designed to create better living conditions in border villages and reduce migration from strategically located areas. It also supports local economic activity through improved infrastructure and public services.
Border Village Return Trends
No formal impact assessment has been carried out so far. However, the Government has noted that people have returned to villages in border districts of Kurung Kumey, Dibang Valley and Shi-Yomi in Arunachal Pradesh. This indicates some positive local response to border-area development efforts. The programme remains an important part of India’s broader border management and rural development strategy.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026