On Friday, February 20, 2026, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will officially launch the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II). The highly anticipated launch will take place at Nathanpur village in the Cachar district of Assam. This major government initiative marks a critical step forward in strengthening India’s border infrastructure, enhancing internal security, and promoting inclusive development in frontier regions.
Aligned with the grand vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the VVP-II scheme represents a saturation-based and convergence-driven approach to ensure the comprehensive and sustainable development of India’s border communities.
Key Highlights of the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II)
Here is a quick overview of the scheme’s launch and scale:
| Feature | Detail |
| Launch Date | Friday, February 20, 2026 |
| Launch Location | Nathanpur village, Cachar district, Assam |
| Inaugurated By | Union Home Minister Amit Shah |
| Total Outlay (Budget) | ₹6,839 crore (up to FY 2028–29) |
| Coverage Area | 15 States and 2 Union Territories (UTs) |
| Scheme Type | Central Sector Scheme |
What is the Vibrant Villages Programme-II?
The Vibrant Villages Programme-II is a Central Sector Scheme specifically designed to uplift and secure communities residing along India’s international borders. The government aims to bring these remote regions into the mainstream through a multi-pronged development strategy.
The core focus areas of VVP-II include:
- Improving Essential Infrastructure: Building robust physical connectivity and vital public structures in remote villages.
- Expanding Access to Basic Services: Ensuring residents have reliable access to healthcare, modern education, and digital connectivity.
- Generating Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities: Creating local economic engines to prevent out-migration and foster prosperous, resilient communities.
Strategic Importance for Border Security
Beyond infrastructure and economic growth, VVP-II holds massive strategic importance for India’s national security. The scheme actively empowers local residents, encouraging them to stay rooted in their native border villages rather than migrating to urban centers.
By improving the quality of life in these frontier regions, the government expects local citizens to act as the “eyes and ears” of the nation. This civilian vigilance will directly contribute to:
- Enhancing overall border security operations.
- Preventing cross-border crimes and illegal infiltration.
- Strengthening the internal security framework of the country.
Financial Outlay and Implementation
To ensure the success of this initiative, the Central Government has allocated a total financial outlay of ₹6,839 crore for VVP-II, with funding secured up to the financial year 2028–29.
Implementation will span a massive geographical footprint, covering border villages across 15 States and 2 Union Territories. By bringing together various central and state government schemes through a “convergence-driven” model, VVP-II ensures that the benefits of national growth reach every eligible household on the frontier.
