Itanagar, April 10: Home Minister Amit Shah’s upcoming visit to Arunachal Pradesh to launch the ‘Vibrant Village Programme’ is expected to bring comprehensive development to several villages located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The two-day visit comes in the wake of China’s recent attempt to rename 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh. India has already rejected China’s claims and affirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.
The scheme is sponsored by the Central government and aims to improve the lives of people in 2,967 villages located in 46 border blocks of 19 districts in four states and one union territory. The states covered under the programme include Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh, abutting the northern border. The programme has a budget allocation of Rs. 4,800 crores for the period between 2022-23 and 2025-26.
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Out of the 2,967 villages, 662 border villages have been identified for comprehensive development under the programme. The development focus will be on areas like road connectivity, drinking water supply, 24×7 electricity supplies (including solar and wind energy), mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centres, multi-purpose centres, healthcare infrastructure, and wellness centres.
In addition to the ‘Vibrant Village Programme’, the Home Minister will inaugurate nine micro hydel projects constructed under the ‘Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Programme’ in Kibithoo.
The programme launch is expected to be a significant step towards the overall development of Arunachal Pradesh and provide a boost to the lives of people living near the LAC. The comprehensive development of the identified border villages is expected to play a crucial role in stopping people from moving out of these areas.
The Home Minister’s visit comes at a time when India is reinforcing its infrastructure along the LAC to strengthen its position against any future Chinese aggression.
