CS calls for gap analysis to ensure smooth rollout of VVP

Srinagar, Jun 27: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting on the implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) in selected border blocks of Jammu and Kashmir.

The centrally sponsored scheme aims to integrate strategically important border villages into the national development narrative through targeted infrastructure and service delivery interventions. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning, Development & Monitoring Department (PD&MD) Talat Parvez Rohella, Commissioner Secretary Forests, Secretary Revenue, Secretary IT, representatives from BSNL, and other concerned officers.

Calling VVP a pivotal initiative, Dulloo emphasized identifying gaps in the scheme’s four key verticals—road connectivity, telecom connectivity, TV access, and electrification—to frame action plans under a convergence model. He directed Deputy Commissioners to prepare comprehensive, village-wise plans and activity calendars to ensure effective implementation.

Secretary Rohella briefed that the programme covers 124 villages across 43 blocks in J&K’s border districts. VVP focuses on saturating key services by leveraging existing government schemes.

Under road connectivity, 118 of the 124 villages are already connected through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV). For digital connectivity, 83 villages have 4G access, with the remaining 41 to be covered under the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme.

Television access is being expanded under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme. Out of 40,726 households, 23,976 have DTH access, with ongoing efforts to cover the rest.

Electrification efforts under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) have reached 46,257 of 46,579 households in the targeted villages.

The Chief Secretary also underscored the need for convergence across departments, real-time monitoring through district and block-level teams, and consistent inter-agency coordination to achieve saturation across all thematic areas.

The VVP seeks to improve connectivity, raise living standards, boost local economies, and preserve cultural identity in remote border regions of Jammu and Kashmir.