362 border villages to get 4G mobile connectivity by June, says Amit Shah

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Security

Context:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that by June, 362 villages along the northern border will receive 4G connectivity under the Vibrant Village Programme.

Vibrant Village Programme:

The programme envisages coverage of border villages on Northern border having sparse population, limited connectivity and infrastructure, which often get left out from the development gains.
Launched in April 2023, the programme covers 662 villages along the China border and has a budget of ₹4,800 crore.
The activities will include construction of village infrastructure, housing, tourist centres, road connectivity, provisioning of decentralized renewable energy, direct to home access for Doordarshan and educational channels, and support for livelihood generation.

Approved Projects:

The government has sanctioned 626 infrastructure projects, which include community halls, eco-tourism initiatives, and track routes. 113 border roads have already been sanctioned to enhance connectivity in remote areas.
Additionally, 901 projects focused on generating employment opportunities have received approval.
Under the programme, 570 banks have been established to provide essential facilities to local residents.

Community Engagement:

The Vibrant Village Programme was developed with input from border village residents.
The programme not only focuses on physical and digital connectivity but also aims to foster emotional bonds, bridging the gap between Delhi and the border communities.
The Home Minister stressed the importance of instilling a sense of unity among residents of remote and border areas, reinforcing their integral role in India.
He cited the example of Ladakh, where the freezing of diesel during winter posed significant challenges. The government allocated funds for research to develop non-freezing diesel, which is now available in the region.