Nathunpur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today launched the Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) in Nathunpur village of Assam’s Cachar district, with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore to boost development in border villages.
Addressing the gathering, Shah said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to providing border villages with facilities similar to those in other parts of the country. According to an official release, Shah noted that villages along the borders were once referred to as the “last villages,” but under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they are now regarded as the “first villages of India.”
The Vibrant Villages initiative aims to strengthen development, employment, education, roads, and telecommunications in such villages.
Shah stated that nearly ₹6,900 crore will be spent under VVP–II, covering 1,954 villages across 334 blocks in 17 states. In Assam, the programme will include nine districts, 26 blocks, and 140 villages, where basic amenities and welfare schemes will be saturated.
Highlighting Assam’s progress, Shah said the state has seen rapid infrastructure expansion in recent years. He pointed out that over the last five years, an average of 14 kilometres of roads have been constructed per day in Assam. He added that more than 24,000 kilometres of roads have been upgraded and numerous bridges built over the past decade.
Referring to socio-economic indicators, Shah said multidimensional poverty in Assam declined from 37 percent to 14 percent by 2023. He noted that the state’s per capita income, which stood at ₹49,000 in 2013–14, has nearly tripled to ₹1.54 lakh in 2024–25. He attributed this transformation to improved governance, rising public confidence, and peace in the state.
Shah also said that bomb blasts and insurgency have been brought under control. He described Assam as emerging as a healthcare hub for the Northeast and mentioned that a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor plant is being established in the state.
Detailing central investments, Shah said the Union government allocated ₹30,000 crore for roads, ₹95,000 crore for railways, and ₹10,000 crore for airports in Assam. He added that a new industrial policy has been introduced to accelerate the state’s growth.
Concluding, Shah said Assam is poised to be among India’s developed states in the coming years, with the Vibrant Villages Programme–II playing an important role. He emphasised the government’s commitment to developing border villages at par with others, preventing migration, and strengthening national security.
