Srinagar : Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo conducted a review of the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II), emphasizing the need for an effective implementation strategy within the designated timeframe. This centrally funded initiative, with a budget of Rs 6,839 crore for the fiscal years 2024-25 to 2028-29, aims to develop strategically important border villages as part of the vision for Viksit Bharat @2047. The program will target 124 selected villages across 43 blocks in eight border districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara.
During the meeting, which included various departmental representatives and district commissioners via video conferencing, a theme-wise appraisal of gaps identified through a gap analysis was discussed. The Chief Secretary urged the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to address these gaps, highlighting the importance of leveraging existing schemes for electricity, road connectivity, livelihood opportunities, education, and health services. He also stressed the need for outreach campaigns to promote tourism and cultural vibrancy in these villages through regular events and fairs. The Additional Chief Secretary for Planning, Ashish Chander Verma, outlined a three-pronged strategy for the program, focusing on improving living conditions and livelihood opportunities in border villages. The strategy aims to ensure that existing Central and Union Territory schemes benefit all 1,421 villages in border blocks, concentrating on livelihood, health infrastructure, education, and financial inclusion. Essential infrastructure development, including all-weather roads and telecom connectivity, is also a priority, with plans to connect 41 villages under the PMGSY-IV scheme and address telecom needs in 220 villages. To facilitate effective implementation, a comprehensive planning process is in place, which includes baseline surveys for gap assessments and village profiling, leading to the creation of detailed Village Action Plans (VAPs). Committees at both the Union Territory and district levels have been established to oversee the program, ensuring that proposals are technically feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with the program’s objectives.
