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The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, inaugurated a two-day workshop in New Delhi centered around the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), an initiative spearheaded by the Border Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Shah, in his address, articulated the core objectives underpinning the VVP, emphasizing the critical need to stem migration from these strategically important border villages, ensure comprehensive access to government schemes for all residents, and transform these settlements into robust pillars of national and border security. The program represents a paradigm shift in how the nation perceives these communities, moving away from viewing them as the “last village” to recognizing them as the “first village,” an idea conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This change in perspective is crucial, as it underscores the government's commitment to prioritizing the development and well-being of those who live on the front lines of the nation's borders.
The villages earmarked for the initial phase of the VVP are envisioned to evolve into valuable assets bolstering the country's security apparatus. The program's multifaceted approach encompasses infrastructure development, the preservation and enhancement of local culture, the creation of employment opportunities through tourism, and a holistic, multi-sectoral development plan tailored to the specific needs of each border village. A key component of the VVP's success hinges on the collaborative efforts of state governments, district collectors, and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Coordinated action is deemed essential to effectively transform these villages into instruments of both security and socio-economic development. Achieving 100 percent saturation of government schemes, promoting tourism, and fortifying cooperative institutions are identified as crucial pillars in realizing the program's overarching vision. Shah specifically highlighted the potential of initiatives like homestays, facilitated by efficient booking systems managed by state governments, to generate employment opportunities for every household within these border villages, thus directly addressing the issue of migration.
The impact of the Vibrant Villages Programme is already being felt, as evidenced by the increase in population observed in several border villages in Arunachal Pradesh. This positive trend serves as an encouraging sign for other frontier regions, demonstrating the program's potential to reverse demographic decline and attract residents back to these vital areas. Shah also referenced Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day address, during which concerns were raised regarding demographic shifts in border areas. He emphasized the responsibility of district collectors in addressing this issue, asserting that demographic changes are not solely attributable to geographical factors but may also stem from deliberate strategies aimed at altering the composition of these regions. This underscored the need for vigilance and proactive measures on the part of state chief secretaries and CAPFs to safeguard the integrity of border areas.
Shah proposed that district collectors collaborate closely with CAPFs to ensure complete saturation of government schemes, leveraging the capabilities of the CAPFs to contribute to areas such as health, sports, and education. He cited the example of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Arunachal Pradesh, which has been procuring essential goods like milk, vegetables, eggs, and grains directly from border villages. This model, he suggested, should be replicated across all Vibrant Villages, fostering economic self-sufficiency and strengthening the bond between the security forces and the local communities. He further advocated for collaboration between the army and CAPFs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence to establish dairy cooperatives in these areas. These cooperatives would supply milk directly to security forces, generating employment opportunities and reducing reliance on external sources, further curbing migration.
Recognizing the importance of basic amenities, Shah stressed the need for adequate telecommunications, road connectivity, healthcare, education, and drinking water facilities in border villages. He emphasized that the Vibrant Villages Programme should be integrated into the core administrative functioning, rather than being perceived as a mere government initiative. He also proposed utilizing schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to undertake new pond construction, afforestation projects, and the development of permanent infrastructure, further strengthening the program's impact and sustainability. The Home Minister also highlighted the importance of addressing administrative challenges and illegal activities in the next phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme.
Addressing the next phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme, Shah emphasized the necessity of shifting the administrative approach and proactively addressing issues such as illegal religious encroachments. He underscored the importance of removing encroachments within a 30-kilometer radius of the border, characterizing them as a deliberate threat to national security. He cited the example of Gujarat, which had successfully cleared numerous encroachments along its maritime and land borders, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of such measures. The overall message conveyed by Amit Shah was one of unwavering commitment to transforming border villages into thriving, secure, and integral parts of the nation. The Vibrant Villages Programme represents a comprehensive strategy aimed at reversing decades of neglect and empowering these communities to play a vital role in safeguarding India's borders and contributing to its overall prosperity. The success of the program hinges on the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, a proactive administrative approach, and a unwavering focus on the well-being and security of the residents of these strategically important regions.
The proactive measures championed by Amit Shah at the Vibrant Villages Programme workshop underscore a broader strategic shift in India's approach to border management. This shift recognizes that security is not merely a matter of military deployment and technological surveillance, but also a function of the socio-economic well-being and active participation of the communities residing in these areas. By focusing on infrastructure development, employment generation, and the preservation of local culture, the VVP aims to create a more resilient and integrated border region, where residents are empowered to contribute to national security and prosperity. Furthermore, the emphasis on addressing demographic changes and illegal encroachments highlights the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of border areas and preventing the exploitation of these regions by external actors. This proactive approach is essential for safeguarding India's territorial sovereignty and ensuring the long-term stability of its border regions. The success of the Vibrant Villages Programme will depend not only on the allocation of resources and the implementation of specific initiatives, but also on the cultivation of a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local communities and the various government agencies involved. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach, the VVP can transform border villages from being perceived as vulnerable outposts to becoming vibrant centers of national strength and resilience.
Beyond the immediate objectives of the Vibrant Villages Programme, the initiative also holds broader implications for India's overall development strategy. By prioritizing the development of remote and marginalized communities, the VVP reflects a commitment to inclusive growth and equitable distribution of resources. This approach is consistent with the government's broader efforts to reduce regional disparities and promote social justice. Moreover, the VVP can serve as a model for other development initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges faced by remote and underserved communities across the country. By leveraging local resources, empowering local communities, and fostering collaboration between government agencies and civil society organizations, the VVP can demonstrate the effectiveness of a decentralized and participatory approach to development. The success of the VVP will not only benefit the residents of border villages, but also contribute to the overall strengthening of India's social fabric and the promotion of a more equitable and just society. The programme stands as a testament to the government's commitment to leaving no one behind and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.
The emphasis on tourism as a key driver of employment generation within the Vibrant Villages Programme aligns with the growing recognition of the economic potential of India's border regions. These regions are often rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism opportunities. By promoting tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner, the VVP can create new economic opportunities for local communities while also preserving their unique cultural identity and protecting the environment. Furthermore, tourism can help to bridge the gap between border regions and the rest of the country, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of these areas. The success of the tourism component of the VVP will depend on the development of appropriate infrastructure, the training of local guides and hospitality workers, and the promotion of responsible tourism practices. By investing in these areas, the government can unlock the immense potential of border regions as tourist destinations and create a more vibrant and sustainable tourism sector. The integration of tourism into the VVP reflects a forward-thinking approach to development that recognizes the importance of leveraging local resources and promoting economic diversification.
In conclusion, the Vibrant Villages Programme, as articulated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, represents a comprehensive and strategic approach to border management and regional development in India. By focusing on security, socio-economic empowerment, and cultural preservation, the VVP aims to transform border villages into vibrant and resilient communities that actively contribute to the nation's security and prosperity. The success of the program will depend on the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, a proactive administrative approach, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being and security of the residents of these strategically important regions. The VVP has the potential to not only improve the lives of those living in border villages, but also to strengthen India's overall security and promote a more inclusive and equitable society. The programme exemplifies a shift from viewing border regions as merely peripheral territories to recognizing them as integral components of the nation's identity and future. It underscores the importance of investing in these areas and empowering local communities to play a leading role in shaping their own destinies and contributing to the overall development of India.
Source: Border villages should not remain the last, but the first villages of India: Amit Shah