J&K to revive 124 border villages under Vibrant Villages Programme-II

In a major step toward strengthening border security and boosting development in remote areas, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has drawn up a detailed roadmap to transform 124 strategic villages under the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II). These villages, spread across 43 border blocks in eight districts, are being upgraded with essential infrastructure, telecom access, electricity, and financial inclusion to improve living standards and reinforce national integration in sensitive areas.

The decisions were reviewed during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, where officials presented a status report on the ongoing developmental works. A strong institutional framework has now been put in place with nodal departments and district-level officers, supported by screening committees formed by the General Administration Department (GAD).

The programme spans both Kashmir and Jammu divisions, covering: Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara (North Kashmir), Samba, Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch (Jammu region)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

A gap analysis of 1,421 border villages identified four key areas for saturation: All-weather road connectivity (PMGSY-IV), Telecom access (Digital Bharat Nidhi), On-grid electrification (RDSS), Television connectivity (BIND scheme)

Already, 1,378 villages have road connectivity, while 30 vital villages have been proposed for inclusion under PMGSY-IV. Surveys have also been completed in 169 difficult habitations to seek norm relaxations, ensuring access even in tough terrains.

BSNL has accelerated 4G saturation surveys. Currently, 98 villages are connected, and work is underway to extend services to remaining shadow areas, especially in Kupwara and Bandipora.

Districts like Jammu, Samba and Kathua have achieved 100% electrification. However, pending works in Tulail Valley and Kupwara must be addressed to cover: 1,402 households in Kupwara, 2,574 households in Bandipora

Efforts are underway to install DTH facilities in homes with television sets, particularly in Baramulla and Kupwara, ensuring access to information and national broadcast content.

Beyond Infrastructure: Cultural & economic push

VVP-II also focuses on financial inclusion, tourism promotion and preservation of cultural heritage. Plans include: Medical camps,Awareness drives, Tourism initiatives to support livelihoods and preserve traditions.

To ensure accurate planning, district officers are using geo-tagging technology and finalising village-specific action plans based on local needs.

The Vibrant Villages Programme-II(2025) is not just a development exercise, it is a strategic national initiative aimed at empowering communities, securing borders, and ensuring that the most remote citizens remain firmly connected to the nation’s roadmap for progress.The aim of VVP-II is to develop and secure border villages in J&K by improving roads, electricity, telecom, and services, while promoting tourism, local economy, and national integration through targeted, village-specific planning.

Under the Vibrant Villages Programme – Phase II (VVP-II), the benefit goes mainly to Jammu & Kashmir, unlike Phase I which covered multiple states.