Rs 93.57 Crore Approved for Projects Under Vibrant Village Program in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, March 20, 2025 – The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved 79 development projects worth Rs 93.57 crore for villages in Himachal Pradesh under the “Vibrant Village Program.” Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, provided this information in a response to a question posed by Lok Sabha member Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj.
The Vibrant Village Program, which was launched by the Central Government on February 15, 2023, aims to uplift the socio-economic conditions of select villages in remote areas, particularly in northern border states, including Himachal Pradesh. The initiative is designed to improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities, and enhance the overall standard of living in these villages.
According to the Union Minister, the approved projects are part of a broader vision to stimulate employment through tourism, cultural heritage, and various developmental activities. The projects will focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and the growth of cooperatives, as well as the promotion of agriculture, horticulture, and medicinal plants in the selected villages.
In addition to these key areas, the program will also address critical infrastructure needs in these villages, with particular emphasis on road connectivity, energy supply, renewable energy sources, and telecommunications. These improvements will not only make daily life easier for villagers but also open up new avenues for economic development and modernization in the region.
“Under the Vibrant Village Program, the government has prioritized the development of infrastructure and provision of essential services to enhance the quality of life in villages along the northern border,” said Nityanand Rai. He further explained that the initiative is part of the government’s larger effort to ensure balanced and sustainable development across the country, particularly in border areas, which often face challenges due to their remoteness and lack of resources.
The scheme also aims to foster a robust local economy by promoting agriculture and horticulture, with a special focus on medicinal plants, which have significant potential for both local use and market demand. This will encourage rural entrepreneurship and help villagers tap into the growing wellness and herbal products market. The inclusion of cultural heritage in the program also offers a unique opportunity to showcase the rich traditions of Himachal Pradesh, attracting tourists and contributing to the state’s tourism industry.
In a bid to ensure that local communities are actively involved, the program also seeks to generate employment through various skill development initiatives. These include training programs designed to equip locals with necessary skills in hospitality, agriculture, handicrafts, and other sectors. By building a skilled workforce, the government aims to empower villagers to contribute directly to their community’s growth and prosperity.
The 79 approved projects will be implemented in villages across Himachal Pradesh’s various districts, with a particular focus on those located in the state’s border regions. The government believes that these projects will not only enhance connectivity and infrastructure but will also improve access to essential services like healthcare, education, and sanitation.
Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj, who raised the question in Lok Sabha, expressed his satisfaction with the government’s response and emphasized the importance of ensuring that the program reaches the most remote and underserved areas. He highlighted that the development of border villages will strengthen the region’s socio-economic fabric and contribute to national security by enhancing the overall stability and prosperity of these areas.
The Vibrant Village Program, which covers 46 development blocks in 19 districts across four northern border states, including Himachal Pradesh, is a major step toward addressing the developmental disparities between urban and rural areas. The program is expected to significantly transform these selected villages by providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the modern economy.
As the program unfolds, it will be closely monitored to assess its impact and make necessary adjustments to ensure that the benefits are maximized for the local population. With its multifaceted approach to development, the Vibrant Village Program is poised to bring long-term positive change to villages in Himachal Pradesh and other northern border states.
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