Union Minister Amit Shah Launches ₹6,839 Crore Vibrant Villages Programme-II in Assam

Guwahati | February 20, 2026

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday launched the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II), announcing an allocation of ₹6,839 crore aimed at accelerating development in India’s border regions. The programme was unveiled from Nathanpur village in Assam’s Cachar district.

The initiative forms part of the Centre’s broader strategy to strengthen infrastructure and improve living standards in villages located along international borders. Under Phase-II, a total of 1,954 villages spread across 334 blocks in 17 states and Union Territories will be covered.

In Assam, 140 border villages across nine districts and 26 blocks have been identified for inclusion under the scheme.

Speaking at the launch event, Shah emphasised that border villages should be viewed as the nation’s “first villages” rather than its last. He noted that improving connectivity, public services and livelihood opportunities in these areas is essential for balanced regional growth as well as national security.

The programme focuses on road connectivity, telecommunications, electricity supply, education, healthcare services and the saturation of central welfare schemes. Officials indicated that the initiative is designed to ensure that residents of frontier areas receive the same developmental opportunities as those in other parts of the country.

The Vibrant Villages Programme-II will remain in effect until the financial year 2028-29. Authorities say the scheme aims not only to boost socio-economic indicators but also to reinforce stability in strategically significant regions.