Viksit Vibrant Village Program
The Vibrant Villages Program (VVP) is a comprehensive initiative launched by the Government of India to promote the development of villages along the northern border, particularly in areas bordering China. Approved in February 2023, the program aims to enhance the quality of life, improve infrastructure, and curb out-migration from these strategic regions.
Objectives
- Infrastructure Development: Construction of all-weather roads, provision of 24x7 electricity (with a focus on solar and wind energy), and establishment of mobile and internet connectivity.
- Livelihood Generation: Promotion of agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and cultural heritage. This includes the establishment of cooperative societies for managing livelihood opportunities and the cultivation of medicinal plants and herbs.
- Tourism Promotion: Development of eco-tourism, adventure tourism, wellness, wildlife, spiritual, and cultural tourism. This involves the creation of homestays, organization of local fairs and festivals, and promotion of local cuisines
- Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Empowerment of youth and women through skill development programmes and promotion of entrepreneurship
- Financial Inclusion: Provision of financial services to enhance economic activities in these regions.
Geographic Coverage The program covers 19 districts across five states and one Union Territory:
- Arunachal Pradesh: 455 villages
- Himachal Pradesh: 75 villages
- Sikkim: 46 villages
- Uttarakhand: 51 villages
- Ladakh (UT): 35 villages
- In the first phase, 663 villages are being prioritized for development
Implementation
- Village Action Plans: Developed by district administrations with the assistance of Gram Panchayats
- Convergence with Existing Schemes: Integration with central and state government schemes to avoid duplication and ensure comprehensive development
- Community Involvement: Engagement of local communities through cooperatives, self-help groups, and non-governmental organizations to foster sustainable development.
