To enhance the social and security infrastructure along the China border, the Union Cabinet allocated Rs 4,800 crore in 2023 under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). This centrally funded initiative was designed to develop villages in 46 border blocks across 19 districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Now, the initiative’s positive outcomes are becoming evident.
On February 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this progress during his address in the Rajya Sabha. He emphasized that, alongside serving various communities, the government has focused on the most remote areas, particularly border villages that were previously neglected by past administrations, which prioritized Delhi over the rest of the country.
PM Modi highlighted the government's shift in mindset, ensuring that border villages are given top priority. He mentioned that these villages have been designated as "first villages" with specific development plans due to their unique position, where the sun's first and last rays touch.
The Prime Minister also shared that ministers have been sent to these remote areas, enduring harsh conditions like temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees, to understand and address the challenges faced by the locals. He noted that leaders and heads from these border villages are now invited as guests on Republic Day, Independence Day, and other national holidays. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to "Sabka Saath and Sabka Vikas" and its continuous efforts to reach out to marginalized communities.
PM Modi stressed that the Vibrant Villages Programme remains a key focus for the government, underscoring its importance and effectiveness in bolstering the country’s security.
What is Vibrant Villages Programme?
The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) was officially launched on April 10, 2023, in the border village of Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative aims to comprehensively develop border villages by constructing roads and homes, expanding decentralized renewable energy access, enhancing television and telecom connectivity, promoting tourism and cultural activities, encouraging entrepreneurship and skill development, and fostering job creation through community development. The primary objective is to provide essential amenities and economic opportunities to border residents, ensuring they are included in the nation’s growth and do not feel compelled to leave these remote areas.
To achieve these goals, the government allocated ₹4,800 crores over five years (2022–2023 to 2025–2026). Of this, ₹2,500 crores are earmarked for road construction, while the remainder will fund other infrastructure projects. The programme, approved by the Union Government on February 15, 2022, focuses on the holistic development of 2,967 villages across 19 districts in four states and one union territory along the India-China border. It is structured in three phases, with the initial phase prioritizing the development of 662 border villages.
Among these villages, Arunachal Pradesh has the highest number (455), followed by Himachal Pradesh (75), Uttarakhand (51), Sikkim (46), and Ladakh (35). To maximize resource utilization for socioeconomic improvements, the Union Government has directed that existing centrally sponsored schemes related to health, education, and sanitation be integrated with VVP initiatives to enhance overall development in these regions.
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda, announced in 2023 that “Tribals in border villages have protected the country since ages along with preservation of their local traditions and culture. They are the true patriots of the country. We are privileged to have you in our midst in the capital city. These border villages, once termed the ‘Last Villages of India’ have been termed the ‘First Villages’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India feels secure because the inhabitants of these border villages are keeping watch.”
“Over 17 Ministers have visited and stayed overnight in these villages. Under the visionary guidance of PM Modi, the government is trying to ensure the delivery of its programmes focusing on the empowerment of women and youth, connectivity with all-weather roads, provision of clean drinking water, 24×7 power to be focused on solar and wind energy, Mobile and Internet connectivity, tourist centers, multipurpose center and health and wellness center,” he further conveyed.
“Further, cooperatives is set to be developed at the local level to manage livelihood opportunities including entrepreneurship agriculture horticulture, cultivation of medicinal herbs etc. The government is committed to the all round development of Border Villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme,” the minister added.
Radical Change and Life Improvement through the Programme
“Life in the village is far better but better education opportunities force parents to migrate to the district headquarters to enroll their children in schools. With the government focusing on developing border villages and improving road connectivity, there’s a shift. Now, people are moving back to their villages. I am one of them,” as detailed in a report published by The Print, 40-year-old Dipen Molo shared his story. He had long dreamed of establishing a kiwi farm in his village but spent nearly 30 years away from home in search of better opportunities.
The border village of Ebamee is situated in the Dibang Valley area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Anini circle, 24 kilometers away from Anini town. In recent years, the village has seen significant development, which has motivated many, including him, to return. Similarly, several residents of the border communities in the Dibang Valley district are reconnecting with their roots. In the Anjaw district of eastern Arunachal Pradesh, Kibithoo and its nearby villages now boast homestays, a bus service linking Kibithoo to Tezu in Lohit district near Assam, mobile network coverage, paved roads, and the popular “Kibithoo Frontier Cafe” or “KFC,” the best bakery in Walong.
This progress comes just 18 months after the launch of the Vibrant Village Programme. The locals have tapped into the tourism potential, with developments unfolding close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Pramila Rai, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, co-owns a cafe in Kibithoo with three of her friends, serving coffee, cookies, momos, and noodles. Having studied at Tezu Government College, Pramila and her friends gained the confidence to start their business after participating in a soft-skills training program by the Indian Army, which also awarded them course certificates.
Pramila stated, “We take orders for birthday cakes for both civilians and army personnel. You find a little of everything in Kibithoo now – roads and highway, medical facility, mobile network that reached our village only 3 to 4 months ago. We can now make best use of our smart phones.”
In May 2023, 4G network connectivity was introduced in Kibithoo for the first time.
Indian Army's Vital Role in the Development of Border Villages
The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel play a vital role in the Vibrant Villages Programme. Beyond conducting training programs for locals, they actively engage in various initiatives, often collaborating directly with the community to implement projects.
“With a renewed vision to develop the border villages through Vibrant Village Programme, the task of the Indian Army has doubled. Besides guarding the borders, they have today become the active partner in successful implementation of the vibrant village programme”, Arunachal CM Khandu shared a post last year expressing gratitude to the Army.
The Army frequently organizes cooking and baking workshops, along with health camps, in these regions to equip locals with new skills and enhance their entrepreneurial potential.
Kaho, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is recognized as India’s first village. With just 17 homes and a population of slightly over 100, it has now emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the country.
Nearby, Alinye and Angrim Valley, close to Acheso, are on their way to becoming model villages. The region’s development is largely driven by military infrastructure projects designed for both defense and civilian use. Foot Suspension Bridges (FSBs) play a crucial role in connecting communities on both sides of the Dri River. In August, the Army repaired a 70-meter FSB at Acheso, significantly improving accessibility.
Residents of Dri hamlets are actively building more eco-campsites and homestays to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Additionally, tourists are flocking to the renowned Chigu Camp resort, a perfect spot for witnessing snowfall at the peak of winter. The government also organizes trekking expeditions along the Dri River, offering adventurers the opportunity to spot endangered species such as the Mishmi Takin, a goat-antelope classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, in the upper Mishmi Hills.
Vibrant Villages Programme: Strengthening Army-Civilian Collaboration
In 2023, Lieutenant General KT Parnaik, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasized that the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) should be collaborative, with the armed forces and local communities sharing their resources and facilities. During his visit to the lively border village of Tuting in Upper Siang District, he engaged with community leaders and assured them that the military would support the locals in every possible way.
The Governor highlighted that the Indian government launched the VVP to foster the overall development of border areas. He emphasized the need for cooperation, where both the military and the local population contribute to the sharing of resources. He encouraged the residents to focus on sectors like tourism, poultry, animal husbandry, and horticulture, aiming to tap into the full potential of their regions.
He also mentioned that soldiers stationed near the villages would receive fresh food and vegetables, while local residents would benefit from earning a decent livelihood and building their independence.
In December 2024, Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, announced that 455 villages in the state had benefited from the VVP.
Although the development of border areas has always been a government priority, the tensions between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh in June 2020 acted as a catalyst for the programme. Poor road connectivity in India's border regions, particularly those shared with China, had hindered the government's ability to reach these areas and provide essential services.
As a result, many people in border villages were forced to move to urban areas in search of better living conditions due to a lack of basic amenities and employment opportunities. These border communities are vital from a national security standpoint, as abandoned villages could be seized by adversarial forces. Improving infrastructure and connectivity in these remote areas not only strengthens the nation but also sends a message of inclusion to communities that have long been neglected.
The main goal of the programme is to create opportunities for locals to stay in their villages rather than migrate to cities. Military strategists argue that migration gives adversarial nations confidence to extend territorial claims. Vibrant villages along the border not only signify a prosperous nation but also convey a clear message to neighboring countries: "We are here, as Indians, and we are here to stay."
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