Jammu Kashmir Gears up for Rs 6,839 Crore Vibrant Villages Push

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has moved into the implementation phase of the ambitious Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II), a centrally funded initiative that seeks to transform life in strategically located habitations along the international border.

According to DIPR JK, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, while taking a comprehensive review of the programme’s implementation strategy here, emphasised devising an effective plan to meet the set timeframe. The programme, backed by a massive Rs 6,839 crore outlay for the fiscal years 2024–25 to 2028–29, is part of the national vision for Viksit Bharat @2047.

The initiative is set to cover 124 villages across 43 blocks in eight border districts of Jammu and Kashmir—Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch. Nationwide, it spans 15 states and two Union Territories.

During the review meeting, also attended by ACS Planning Ashish Chander Verma, MD KPDCL, representatives from RB and BSNL, and deputy commissioners of the concerned districts through video conferencing, the Chief Secretary took a theme-wise appraisal of the gaps identified in each district.

He directed deputy commissioners to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) on priority to bridge these gaps. Dulloo underlined that schemes such as RDSS for electricity, PMGSY for roads, NRLM, Mission YUVA, HADP, KCC, PMEGP, and REGP for livelihoods, PM-SHRI for education, and telemedicine in health could be leveraged under a convergence approach. He also stressed on regular outreach campaigns to boost tourism, cultural vibrancy, social security, and financial inclusion in these border habitations.

ACS Planning, Ashish Chander Verma, revealed that a three-pronged strategy had been finalised to improve living conditions and livelihood opportunities. He said the programme will ensure existing Central and Union Territory schemes reach all 1,421 villages in border blocks, with special focus on livelihood generation, health infrastructure, education facilities, and financial inclusion.

Gap analysis has identified critical needs in connectivity and electrification. For instance, 41 villages are proposed to be connected under PMGSY-IV, while 220 habitations are yet to be covered with telecom connectivity. The programme also seeks to reinforce essential infrastructure, including all-weather roads, on-grid electrification, and expanded telecom and television services.

Officials said the initiative also has a strong socio-cultural component. Plans are afoot to promote tourism, organise cultural fairs, and run medical and veterinary camps to make the border villages more self-reliant and vibrant. Village Action Plans (VAPs) will be prepared based on baseline surveys and profiling exercises, and committees at the UT and district levels will ensure technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of proposals.