Cachar, February 20: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched the Vibrant Villages Programme-II at Nathanpur in Assam's Cachar district, marking a major step towards strengthening infrastructure and improving the quality of life in India's border villages. The initiative reflects the Central Government's vision of transforming border settlements into the nation's "First Villages" while enhancing security and promoting inclusive development.
 |
| Union Home Minister Amit Shah launches Vibrant Villages Programme-II in Assam, with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in attendance. (Image: X@CMOfficeAssam) |
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma joined the Union Home Minister at the launch ceremony, along with senior government officials and local representatives. Welcoming the initiative, Sarma said the programme would bring significant improvements to 140 border villages across Assam by providing modern infrastructure, better connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Vibrant Villages Programme-II has been launched with a total financial outlay of over ₹6,000 crore and is aimed at developing strategically important border regions across the country. The programme focuses on upgrading road networks, improving public infrastructure, expanding access to essential services, strengthening economic activities, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents living in remote border areas.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sarma said the initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ensuring balanced development across the country and transforming India's border villages into thriving centres of growth. He noted that stronger infrastructure and improved public services would not only raise living standards but also contribute to national security by encouraging people to remain in border regions.
ALSO READ: Star Cement’s Cachar Plant Inaugurated, Boost to Barak Valley’s Industrial Growth
The launch of the programme from Nathanpur, located in the land of Maa Kachakanti, marked the beginning of its nationwide implementation. Officials said the scheme would help bridge developmental gaps in border areas while creating employment opportunities, promoting local entrepreneurship, and improving access to healthcare, education, and digital connectivity.
The Centre believes that empowering border communities through better infrastructure and economic opportunities is essential for strengthening India's frontier regions. With the rollout of Vibrant Villages Programme-II, the government aims to ensure that border villages become vibrant hubs of development, reinforcing both regional prosperity and national security under the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat.
