Gangtok, February 9: The State-Level Workshop on Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) II was held today at the Conference Hall of Tashiling Secretariat, Gangtok. The workshop was organised by the Planning and Development Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, R Telang, in the presence of Deputy Commandant, Government of India Vibrant Villages Programme II, Pradeep Kumar Pandey. Heads of Departments, Secretaries, District Collectors, State Nodal Officers and representatives from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Black Cat Division, 17th Mountain Division and other officials participated in the workshop.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary R Telang stressed that the implementation framework of the programme must be designed efficiently to ensure systematic processes and smooth coordination across departments and districts. He emphasised livelihood generation as a core objective, stating that the programme aims to strengthen basic amenities, infrastructure, economic activities and overall living conditions in border villages. He underlined the need for measurable outcomes in proportion to allocated funds and observed that focused initiatives at Dok La and Cho La would provide momentum to programme implementation in Sikkim. Highlighting coordination, he directed District Collectors to take the lead role in collaboration with line departments.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of India for launching the programme and thanked Deputy Commandant Pradeep Kumar Pandey for his presence and guidance.
Earlier, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Planning and Development Department, M T Sherpa, delivered the welcome address and briefed participants on the programme. He informed that twelve villages in Sikkim have been identified under Phase II. Referring to Phase I, he stated that forty projects were sanctioned, of which thirty-eight were implemented in Mangan district and two in Gangtok district. He added that the workshop aimed to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and address planning and implementation issues. A video report on Phase I implementation was also screened.
Deputy Commandant Pradeep Kumar Pandey presented the objectives of Vibrant Villages Programme II, stating that it is a fully funded Central Sector Scheme aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He said the programme seeks to improve quality of life in border areas, discourage out-migration and generate sustainable livelihoods through cooperatives, Self Help Groups and tourism-linked activities. He added that implementation will be driven through Village Action Plans prepared by district administrations in coordination with Gram Panchayats, supported by the PM Gati Shakti platform to ensure convergence and avoid duplication.
During the technical session, Senior Technical Director, National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs, Deepak Kumar, provided virtual training on digital platforms, including preparation and submission of Village Action Plans, real-time geo-tagged monitoring and inter-departmental convergence.
District-wise presentations followed. District Collector, Gangtok, Tushar G Nikhare, presented on Vibrant Villages Programme I, covering Changu, Gnathang and Thegu villages. He highlighted sanctioned projects such as an eco-tourism park at Gnathang Forest Block and a community hall at Gnathang ward, along with proposed initiatives including a rhododendron conservatory, restoration of a British guesthouse, adventure tourism facilities, a war memorial and a high-altitude sports training centre.
District Collector, Mangan, Anant Jain, informed that forty-two villages across four blocks have been identified, with thirty-eight projects sanctioned. He said livelihood projects such as a fern fabric processing plant at Dzongu, a handicraft centre and revival of apple orchards at Lachung are being prioritised.
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District Collector, Pakyong, Rohan Agawane, presented proposals under VVP II for five identified villages, focusing on livelihood generation and tourism. Additional District Collector, Gyalshing, Suresh Rai, outlined a saturation-based development approach for five villages, including road connectivity, renewable energy, telemedicine and women-led SHGs.
District Collector, Soreng, Dhiraj Subedi, informed that Ribdi and Bhareng villages have been identified, with proposals covering agriculture-based livelihoods, energy solutions, digital connectivity and banking facilities.
Towards the end of the workshop, Second-in-Command, SSB Sector Headquarters, Gangtok, Sunil Kumar, highlighted the role of SSB in border areas through security coverage, medical and veterinary civic action programmes, awareness drives and livelihood support initiatives.
The workshop concluded with an interactive session, followed by a vote of thanks proposed by Under Secretary, Planning and Development Department, Government of Sikkim, Simran Singh.
