MHA Approves Vibrant Villages Programme‑II (VVP‑II) – ₹6,839 crore for 1,954 Border Villages
The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched Vibrant Villages Programme‑II (VVP‑II), a Central Sector Scheme worth ₹6,839 crore to develop 1,954 border villages across 16 states/UTs up to FY 2028‑29, with a High‑Powered Committee overseeing relaxed guidelines for faster implementation.
Overview The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the launch of Vibrant Villages Programme‑II (VVP‑II) on 2 April 2025 . The scheme targets 1,954 villages in 334 blocks that lie along the International Land Borders (ILBs) of 16 states and Union Territories, excluding the northern border already covered under the earlier VVP‑I . The aim is to address the unique challenges of border areas through area‑specific strategies. Key Developments Approval of Central Sector Scheme with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore up to FY 2028‑29. Coverage expands to states/UTs: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir (UT), Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Formation of a High‑Powered Committee (HPC) to streamline guidelines of various central schemes for these villages. Earlier, Centrally Sponsored Scheme VVP‑I sanctioned 2,906 projects and released ₹959.66 crore to the states/UTs. Important Facts The scheme focuses on infrastructure, livelihood, health, education and connectivity in border villages. By integrating multiple ministries, the programme seeks to create a “vibrant” ecosystem that can counter security challenges and promote inclusive growth. The HPC will relax schematic guidelines of existing central schemes, ensuring faster fund flow and reduced bureaucratic delays. UPSC Relevanc
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Key Insight
VVP‑II earmarks ₹6,839 crore to transform border villages, linking security with development.
Key Facts
- VVP‑II MHA द्वारा 2 April 2025 को मंजूर किया गया।
- कुल खर्च: FY 2028‑29 के लिए ₹6,839 crore।
- 16 राज्यों/UTs में 334 ब्लॉकों में 1,954 गांवों को लक्षित किया गया।
- यह Central Sector Scheme (पूरी तरह से Centre‑funded) के रूप में वर्गीकृत है।
- High‑Powered Committee, Cabinet Secretary द्वारा अध्यक्षता, योजना के दिशानिर्देशों को ढीला करने के लिए।
- पहले VVP‑I (15 Feb 2023 को मंजूर) ने 2,906 परियोजनाओं के लिए ₹959.66 crore जारी किए।
- केन्द्रित क्षेत्र: बुनियादी ढांचा, आजीविका, स्वास्थ्य, शिक्षा, और कनेक्टिविटी।
Background
Border villages face security, connectivity and socio‑economic challenges. The UPSC syllabus links such development to Polity (inter‑governmental coordination, role of MHA) and Economy (central funding models, impact on regional growth). VVP‑II exemplifies how the Centre uses Central Sector schemes to address strategic regions while fostering inclusive development.
Mains Angle
GS II (Polity) – discuss the role of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the High‑Powered Committee in implementing VVP‑II; GS III (Economy) – evaluate the impact of a fully funded central scheme on border area development.