SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday presided over the inaugural meeting of the Union Territory Level Screening Committee (UTLSC) for the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). The committee reviewed a comprehensive development plan aimed at fostering convergence-based and sustainable growth in border villages across Jammu and Kashmir.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the meeting, organized by the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), saw participation from Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and Deputy Commissioners from relevant districts.
During the review of district-wise proposals, the Chief Secretary examined projects earmarked for identified border villages situated across eight districts of the Union Territory. He issued directives for all departments to adopt a mission-mode approach for the programme’s implementation. This approach is intended to ensure effective synergy among government schemes and maximize resource utilization to enhance the quality of life in these remote border areas.
Chief Secretary Dulloo highlighted that the Vibrant Villages Programme presents a significant opportunity to transform the socio-economic fabric of strategically vital border villages. He emphasized the importance of integrated planning and the timely execution of development initiatives. Dulloo also underscored the necessity for close collaboration between government departments and district administrations to ensure that the benefits derived from Central and Union Territory government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries promptly and without any undue delays.
R. Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary for the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, elaborated on the programme’s objectives. She stated that the VVP aims to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities through various avenues, including tourism promotion, the preservation of cultural heritage, skill development, entrepreneurship, cooperative development, and the cultivation of agriculture, horticulture, and medicinal plants.
Vaz further detailed that the programme also prioritizes strengthening essential infrastructure. This includes improvements in road connectivity, housing, village facilities, energy access, and the provision of renewable energy solutions. Additionally, the initiative aims to enhance television and telecom connectivity. These interventions are designed to stimulate economic prospects and elevate living standards in border villages, thereby mitigating migration from these regions.
Presenting the district-specific development plans, Owais Ahmad, the Nodal Officer for the Vibrant Villages Programme at PD&MD, informed the committee that district administrations have compiled extensive project portfolios aligned with the programme’s goals. According to the presentation, proposals include 83 projects for Baramulla, 57 for Bandipora, 526 for Jammu, 117 for Kathua, 195 for Poonch, 92 for Rajouri, and 121 for Samba districts. These projects encompass infrastructure development, livelihood generation, and public service delivery. The meeting also addressed proposals for the eighth identified district under the programme.
The committee received updates indicating that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), road connectivity is planned for 24 villages currently lacking such access that are covered by the programme. Furthermore, officials reported that 8,513 households are slated to receive on-grid electricity connections. Concurrently, 16,702 households will be provided with Direct-to-Home (DTH) television connectivity through set-top boxes, thereby improving access to information, education, and entertainment in these remote border locations.
In his concluding remarks, the Chief Secretary urged all departments and district administrations to ensure meticulous planning, foster effective inter-departmental coordination, and guarantee the timely execution of all approved projects. The objective is to fully realize the goals of the Vibrant Villages Programme, enabling border villages to develop into economically vibrant, socially resilient, and better-connected communities integrated with the national mainstream.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
