GANGTOK: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today interacted with distinguished guests from villages under the Vibrant Village Programme in New Delhi, visiting the capital for the 76th Republic Day celebrations.
The occasion was graced by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Dr. Rajendra Kumar, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and several other dignitaries.
In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah highlighted that the Vibrant Village Programme signifies the beginning of a change in approach and perspective. He explained that the programme aims to bridge emotional gap between Vibrant Villages and Delhi, instilling a sense of unity among residents of remote and border areas by reaffirming their integral place in India and assuring that the nation cares for them.
Shah emphasized that when the Prime Minister invites residents from “the first village” (border villages) to participate in national festivals as honoured guests, it fosters emotional connection and eliminates barriers of the hearts. He noted that, for the past four years, representatives from various villages have been invited to these celebrations, where they are treated with respect as special guests of the Prime Minister, symbolizing a transformed outlook toward the nation’s frontier villages.
Amit Shah stated that after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, an inclusive and all-encompassing vision for the country’s development was introduced, aiming for progress that benefits every citizen and region. He shared the example of Ladakh, where the freezing of diesel in winters was a major issue. Following the directions of Prime Minister Modi, the Government of India allocated a budget for research and development to create non-freezing diesel, which is now available in Ladakh. He emphasized that such solutions are possible only when attention is given to the challenges of these areas.
The Home Minister also mentioned that in 2017, a decision was made to have all security forces, including the army, procure milk, eggs, fish, and vegetables from border villages, creating employment opportunities in those regions.
Union Home Minister stated that the Vibrant Village Programme is a comprehensive and multi-sectoral initiative for holistic development. He emphasized that the infrastructure, culture, tourism, livelihood, and economic growth of villages should be as vibrant as those in the rest of the country. He further highlighted that by advancing with a holistic approach, not only will the present become vibrant, but future generations will also benefit from a better living environment.
Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced this program on 15th February 2023 and 662 villages of 46 blocks adjoining the northern border of the country were included in it. He said that after the formation of the scheme, more than 22 ministers of the central government visited 8 districts and 26 villages, bringing to light the local difficulties there and the ground problems in the implementation of the Vibrant Village programme. In addition, 92 senior officers have visited 259 villages and efforts have been made to touch almost every village with such initiatives, he added.
The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the issues faced by 662 villages in the implementation of the Vibrant Village Program were reviewed, and their report was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said that based on this report, 626 projects were formulated. Similarly, 901 employment-related projects were initiated. He said that, along with these, schemes worth Rs. 556 crore were developed for agriculture, education, health, energy, cooperatives, and Khadi and Village Industries.
Shah stated that Rs. 2,400 crore was spent on constructing 113 roads and 8 low-suspension bridges, and by June 2025, 4G connectivity will be available in 362 villages. He further mentioned that out of the 662 villages, 474 have been electrified on-grid and 127 off-grid, and 43 new power projects have been developed at a cost of ₹238 crore.
The Home Minister said that View Points, Adventure Tourism, Eco-Resorts and Tourist Centres have been developed from 102 projects at a cost of Rs 48 crore. He said that earlier 570 villages out of 662 did not have banks. The work of linking such villages with banks has been done by the Modi government.
Amit Shah said that the Modi government has provided all the basic facilities for a good life to the people living in these vibrant villages. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, a sincere effort has been made to achieve 100% saturation of government schemes through a Bottom-to-Top approach, ensuring connectivity in physical, digital, and emotional terms.
The Home Minister told the guests from the Vibrant Villages to convey this message upon returning to their villages—that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been chosen by them, holds deep affection for them.
- PIB Report
