5.1
Introduction
5.2
Challenges in Border Villages (need of VVP)
5.3
VVP: Boosting Infrastructural Development, Aiming reverse migration
5.4
VVP: Bringing N-East in Prime Focus
5.5
VVP: In response to Chinese Aggression
5.6
Conclusion
5.1 Introduction:
Union
Home Minister Amit Shah launched Vibrant Villages Programme in Kibithu, the Eastern most village of Arunachal Pradesh
which was overrun by Chinese troops in 1st phase of 1962 Indo-China war. The
centrally sponsored scheme has a budget of allocation of 4800 crores which
covers over 2967 villages in 46 blocks under 19 districts which are located
along the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand Himachal
Pradesh and Union territory of Ladakh. In the first phase 662 villages have
been prioritized under the scheme out of which 455 villages are located at
Indo-China border of Arunachal Pradesh. The programme seeks to improve the
quality of life in border villages, aiming to encourage villagers to stay at
native locations, prevent migration. Road connectivity, Health care centers,
basic facilities such as Water and Electricity from renewable sources such as
solar and wind energy, Internet connectivity are the different sectors
receiving heavy investments for rapid development.
5.2 Challenges in Border Villages (need of VVP):
The
social and economic development of border areas was a must since we gained
independence from the British but there have been several factors that has
challenged the development of these areas such as difficult terrain, constant
aggression from the Chinese and mainly our mindset of not developing these
areas. This created a huge gap between the mainland area and the border areas
especially in North-Eastern regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Basic
facilities such as water and electricity never reached here. Water crisis
remains a major problem as women's have to travel
long distances to get fresh drinking water. Due to lack of economic
opportunities migration started from these areas. These areas have rich sites
of tourist attraction but due to lack of connectivity infrastructural
development it couldn't attract tourism.
5.3 VVP: Boosting Infrastructural Development, Aiming reverse Migration
The
programme seeks to develop the infrastructure of border villages by improving
road connectivity. Its primary focus is to provide basic facilities such as
clean drinking water, electricity, Internet connectivity, and health care
centers. It also aims to develop tourist centers health care infrastructure and
wellness center. All these infrastructure developments will result in
comprehensive development of villages of blocks on the northern borders. Thus,
improving the quality of life of people living in the identified border
villages. This will help encourage people to stay in their native locations in
border areas and reverse the out migration from these villages adding to
improved security of border.
5.4 VVP: Bringing N-East in Prime Focus
The
northern borders of our country are blessed with scenic natural beauty
salubrious weather, rich biodiversity, rare wildlife, historical sites,
distinct cultural and ethnic heritage, and warm and welcoming people. The
development of these areas will attract a lot of tourists, which will provide
economic opportunities for the locals. There are various festivals celebrated
here, which are gaining worldwide importance such as the Hornbill festival of
Nagaland organized every year from December 1 to December 10. Parshuram Kund
located in Arunachal Pradesh has attracted foreign tourists in recent past and
the development of these areas though VVP will certainly help in filling the
gaps which were created a long back and it will lead to overall social and
economic development of border areas.
5.5 VVP: In response to Chinese Aggression
Infrastructural
development cannot be interlinked with the protection and security of border
areas, but it is a well-established fact that "local residents"
living in the northern borders are the 1st line of defense. "Border Area" is not just a piece
of land, it is full of people, their loyalties towards their nation, especially
the Indo-Tibetan communities. In the current global scenario, India's strategic
culture has changed. Our stand in geopolitics is in a stronger position than it
was during the post-independence period. Our defensive mindset to approach
things has now changed in nature. The Vibrant Villages Programme is outcome of
our offensive policy against our northern Neighbour country China. The mindset
of Beijing is clear i.e. "If you are strong enough, they'll see you but if
you are weak, they will crush you." Xi Jinping always want to assert
hegemony over other nations and to show Chinese superiority. The program
strengthens our border villages and gives a clear message to the PLA about the
stand of India in its core national interest. The Chinese propaganda of
claiming land by establishing settlements is not going to work furthermore.
Seven new battalions including 9,400 personnel have been raised in Indo-Tibetan
Border Police (ITBP) forces to keep our borders protected, which is a good
response to recent Chinese aggression in Twang region.
5.6 Conclusion:
The
vibrant villages program aims for social economic development of our border
areas, preventing migration which also helps us in strengthening our internal
security along northern borders has the best security of a nation lies in its
people and their development.
— Team Yuva Aaveg
(Akhileshwar Maurya)
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