Jammu, November 23, 2025 : A strategic and comprehensive development plan has been finalized for 124 border villages across 43 border blocks in eight districts of Jammu and Kashmir under the Vibrant Villages Programme Phase-II (VVP-II), officials said on Sunday.
The details emerged during a review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to assess progress and implementation mechanisms for the programme aimed at transforming border habitations into sustainable and secure communities.
Robust Institutional Framework in Place
A strong administrative mechanism has been established, including:
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Nodal departments and officers at UT and district levels
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Screening committees constituted by the GAD
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Clear coordination channels for planning and execution
The programme spans border districts in both regions:
North Kashmir: Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara
Jammu Division: Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch
Gap Analysis Across 1,421 Villages
A detailed gap analysis was conducted to achieve saturation in four priority sectors:
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All-weather road connectivity under PMGSY-IV
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Telecom and 4G coverage under Digital Bharat Nidhi
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On-grid electrification through RDSS
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Television/DTH access under the BIND scheme
Road Connectivity
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1,378 villages already connected
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30 key villages proposed for new roads under PMGSY-IV
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Surveys completed for 169 habitations seeking norm relaxations in tough terrains
Telecom Connectivity
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BSNL has accelerated 4G saturation surveys
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98 villages already covered
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Remaining shadow zones in Kupwara and Bandipora to be prioritised
Electrification
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Jammu, Samba, Kathua have achieved full coverage
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Pending works in Tulail Valley and Kupwara to provide grid power to:
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1,402 households in Kupwara
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2,574 households in Bandipora
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Television & Information Access
Efforts underway to supply DTH connections to households with TV sets, especially in Kupwara and Baramulla border belts.
Village Action Plans & Geo-Tagging
District nodal officers have verified LGD codes and are finalising Village Action Plans using geo-tagging tools to map development needs precisely.
Beyond Infrastructure: Holistic Development
VVP-II emphasises:
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Financial inclusion programmes
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Tourism promotion in remote border zones
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Preservation of cultural heritage
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Medical camps, awareness drives, and livelihood initiatives
These interventions aim to enhance local economies, improve quality of life, and deepen national integration in sensitive frontier region
