Vibrant Villages Programme-II Launched from Assam | 23 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the ₹6,839 crore Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) from Nathunpur village, marking a major step towards comprehensive development of border villages and strengthening internal security through inclusive growth.

Key Points:

• Vibrant Villages Programme: The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) was initially announced in the Union Budget 2022-23. 
• The Shift to VVP–II: While Phase I focused exclusively on the northern borders (Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh), Phase II expands the scope to other international land borders.
  • Strategic Shift: This second phase, with a total outlay of ₹6,839 crore, marks a strategic shift in developing India's border regions from being viewed as "last villages" to the nation's "first villages".
• Geographical Coverage: 1,954 strategic villages across 334 blocks in 15 States and 2 Union Territories.
  • The programme will cover 140 villages across 9 districts and 26 blocks in Assam.
• Scheme Nature: VVP–II is a 100% Central Sector Scheme, meaning it is fully funded by the Union Government.
• Core Objectives: The programme is designed with a multi-dimensional approach to border management and rural development:
• Saturation-Based Development: It aims for 100% coverage of essential services including all-weather road connectivity (under PMGSY-IV), telecom, television, and 24x7 electrification.