Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has confirmed that 66 border villages have been selected for all-round development under the Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). The move is part of India’s strategic push to strengthen infrastructure and improve quality of life in remote border areas, especially those near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The announcement came during a press briefing in Itanagar on July 15, where the CM highlighted the state’s role in national security and local empowerment.
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VVP to Drive Arunachal Border Villages Development
CM Khandu stated that the central government has prioritized the northeastern frontier under VVP. Out of 662 villages identified nationwide, 66 are located in Arunachal Pradesh, a state known for its sensitive and vast border terrain.
“These villages are not just border settlements; they are our first line of defense. Their development means stronger security and stronger communities,” Khandu said. The focus will be on connectivity, education, healthcare, solar power, and livelihood programs.
Key Areas Identified Along the LAC
The villages selected under the Arunachal border villages development plan are spread across districts like Tawang, Shi-Yomi, Upper Subansiri, Anjaw, and Dibang Valley. These areas often remain cut off during winters due to harsh terrain and weather.
Under VVP, each selected village will receive tailored development packages. These include construction of all-weather roads, setting up health sub-centres, mobile network towers, and solar electricity systems. The objective is not just to improve lives but also to discourage outmigration from border regions.
Centre and State Working in Sync
The Vibrant Villages Programme, launched by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in 2022, has found a strong ally in the Arunachal state government. CM Khandu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for giving priority to Arunachal.
He said, “Never before have border villages received such focused attention. This initiative recognizes the importance of every last Indian village, especially those on the edge of the map.”
The Arunachal border villages development initiative also complements the Centre’s broader push to match China’s infrastructure development along the LAC.
Preventing Outmigration, Promoting Resilience
Khandu noted that in the past, lack of infrastructure led to many families leaving border villages for towns and cities. This had security implications, as sparsely populated borders are harder to monitor.
“Development is the best deterrent,” he said. “When we empower people to stay and grow, we strengthen the nation too.”
Livelihood projects, skill training, and promotion of local crafts will help create sustainable income sources in these areas. Cultural centres and schools with residential facilities are also being planned.
Civil-Military Synergy in Border Zones
CM Khandu emphasized that development and defense go hand in hand. Several of the selected villages already host Army and ITBP presence. Improved facilities will help civil-military cooperation flourish.
He said, “These are not conflict zones. These are opportunity zones. With roads and connectivity, coordination improves, and the military too benefits.”
The Arunachal border villages development plan will also include helipads and small airstrips in strategic locations to improve accessibility.
Monitoring and Execution Timeline
A dedicated task force will oversee the implementation of projects in each of the 66 villages. The government plans to roll out visible results within the first two years, although certain infrastructure components may take longer due to weather and terrain challenges.
Funds will be released in phases, and local communities will be consulted throughout. Village-level committees will ensure transparency and alignment with actual needs.
Opposition Welcomes, But Seeks Faster Implementation
While the opposition in Arunachal welcomed the Centre’s focus on border development, they urged faster execution. Congress MLA Lombo Tayeng said, “We appreciate the intent, but timelines must be met. Delays will only weaken our frontier.”
CM Khandu responded by assuring monthly reviews and ground-level updates. He said the state government is fully committed to speeding up delivery.
The identification of 66 villages under the Arunachal border villages development scheme marks a major step in India’s frontier strategy. Beyond strategic needs, the initiative promises to uplift the lives of people who live in some of the most remote and challenging conditions in the country. With political will, coordinated planning, and community involvement, these villages may soon become models of resilience and self-reliance.
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