Amit Shah Launches ₹6,839 Crore Vibrant Villages Programme–II in Assam, Says Border Villages Are India’s ‘First Villages’

Assam, February 20: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday launched the ₹6,839 crore Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) from Nathunpur village in Assam, describing it as a transformative step toward strengthening border infrastructure and national security.

The programme aims to ensure that villages located along India’s international borders receive the same level of infrastructure and welfare benefits as other parts of the country.

Addressing the gathering, which was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and senior officials, Shah said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has changed the narrative around border regions.

“Earlier, border villages were referred to as the last villages of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided that every border village is the first village of India,” he said.

1,954 Villages Across 17 States to Benefit

Under VVP–II, nearly ₹6,900 crore will be spent on the development of 1,954 villages across 334 blocks in 17 states. In Assam, the scheme will cover 9 districts, 26 blocks and 140 villages.

The programme focuses on improving road connectivity, telecom services, electricity access, employment opportunities, education facilities and ensuring full coverage of central welfare schemes.

States covered under the initiative include Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Assam’s Development and Investment Push

Highlighting Assam’s progress, Shah said the state has seen rapid infrastructure growth over the past decade. He noted that an average of 14 km of roads are being constructed daily, while over 24,000 km of roads have been upgraded.

He also said multi-dimensional poverty in Assam has reduced significantly and per capita income has nearly tripled over the past decade. The Home Minister credited improved governance and stability in the state for these achievements.

Shah further announced major allocations for Assam, including ₹30,000 crore for roads, ₹95,000 crore for railways, ₹10,000 crore for airports and a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor plant.

He said the Vibrant Villages Programme–II would play a crucial role in ensuring balanced regional development, preventing migration from border areas and strengthening national security.