The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) of the Centre, which aims to enhance infrastructure and open up villages near the China border to tourists, would be merged with the Gati Shakti Mega Project.
What exactly is the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)?
- The VVP will provide basic facilities such as all-weather roads, drinkable piped water, 24 hour electricity, good mobile and internet connectivity, healthcare, and better livelihood opportunities to the selected communities.
- From a strategic and security standpoint, the VVP intends to restrict border population migration, catalyse reverse migration, and keep all settlements along the LAC well-populated.
Villages chosen
- Kibithoo, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most isolated circle headquarters, is the first village to be developed under the VVP.
- In these remote places, the villages will also function as the Indian Army’s eyes and ears.
- The VVP would build 2,967 villages in 19 border districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh, with 662 villages developed in the first phase of the project.
Components
- The VVP plan includes a variety of livelihood programmes, such as beekeeping, enhancing agricultural yields, fostering handicrafts and local products, and connecting them to markets.
- The plan also aims to promote high-end tourism and train locals to cater to guests.
- A critical component of the initiative is the provision of 24 hour power via micro-hydel power plants, solar panels, and windmills.
Impact
- The VVP’s development of border villages will assist inhabitants earn a better living, enhance their quality of life, and discourage migration from these isolated locations.
- It will also aid in obtaining intelligence from border village residents and providing the Indian Army with easier access to these areas.
In comparison to the Chinese Model
- The Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) of India is people-centered and strives to improve the villagers’ quality of life.
- Xiaokang villages in China lack effective planning for providing livelihood possibilities, healthcare and education, and transportation.
- The goal of Beijing in retaining civilian residents of these villages as watchful eyes across the LAC and on Indian Army patrols has been defeated.
- The majority of the communities are currently used as PLA living quarters and logistical facilities.
- India’s VVP outperforms China’s construction of new Xiaokang villages because it takes a holistic approach to development.
Why did you unite with Gati Shakti?
- Gati Shakti brings together 16 ministries, including Railways and Roadways, to coordinate the development and implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.
- It enables government agencies to break down operational silos.
- By combining VVP with Gati Shakti, improved coordination between various ministries and departments can be achieved, ensuring the program’s seamless implementation and avoiding duplication of efforts.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/vibrant-villages-programme-along-china-border-to-be-integrated-with-pm-gati-shakti-for-better-monitoring/article66773931.ece