‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ for remote villages on China border
In the recent budget, the central government has announced a ‘vibrant village programme’, mainly for remote villages located on the China border. This new Border Area Development Scheme will have a special focus on creating a model village.
Also the program focuses on improving the social and financial infrastructure in these border villages.
The scheme is being operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This plan has been launched in reaction against the establishment of model villages on the borders of India and Bhutan by China.
This scheme will help in achieving the following twin objectives:
This will strengthen the border infrastructure, and the programme will also ensure that the residents of these border villages do not migrate in search of economic opportunities.
The programme includes the following activities:
- Creating infrastructure, housing and tourism centers in villages
- Providing ‘Direct to Home’ facility for Doordarshan and Educational channels.
- Establishment of road connectivity.
- Providing assistance for livelihood generation.
Why is program needed?
- These border villages with sparse population have limited connectivity and infrastructure. Because of this, these areas are often left behind in reaping the benefits of development.
- With this plan, it will be possible to build a modern system of transport and connectivity on the mountains. This will help in making the border villages of the country alive.
Some other measures taken by the government to improve the border villages:
- The Border Area Development Program was started in the year 1986-87. The program focuses on meeting the development needs of people living in remote and inaccessible areas on international borders.
- The Union Budget 2022-23 has increased the capital outlay for the Border Roads Organization by a record 40 per cent as compared to FY 2021-22.
Source – The Hindu