Jaipur: Rajasthan has intensified the implementation of Vibrant Village Programme-II to accelerate holistic development in 184 strategic border villages in five districts. The villages include 68 in Sriganganagar, 46 in Bikaner, 36 in Barmer, 30 in Jaisalmer and four in Phalodi.Under the programme, comprehensive development works related to road connectivity, health, education, electricity, television and telecom connectivity, livelihood generation, tourism, culture, youth empowerment, skill development, financial inclusion, cooperatives, self-help groups, farmer producer organisations and village infrastructure are being undertaken in the selected villages. The initiative aims to improve living standards in border regions while creating new opportunities for employment, tourism, local livelihoods and social empowerment.Officials said that out of the 184 villages selected under Vibrant Village Programme-II, a total of 515 works worth over Rs 232 crore have been proposed in 123 villages. A provision of Rs 3 crore per year has been made under the programme to ensure saturation of development schemes in strategic villages.The programme also focuses on strengthening road, telecom, television and on-grid electricity connectivity in all-weather conditions across 3,195 villages located in Rajasthan’s border blocks. Alongside infrastructure development, the govt is working to enhance engagement with communities living near international borders through cultural programmes, tourism activities, awareness campaigns, training sessions and community meetings.The state govt said the initiative seeks to provide border areas with a new identity based on self-reliance, security and prosperity. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is personally monitoring the implementation process and directing officials to ensure time-bound and quality-driven execution of projects, said officials.The state govt has also launched the Mukhyamantri Thar Seema Vikas Karyakram to address the specific needs of international border areas. Under the scheme, Rs 150 crore per year has been earmarked for the holistic development of 1,206 villages across five border districts. During 2025-26, more than 1,000 development works worth Rs 137 crore related to electricity, water, education, health, agriculture, animal husbandry, sports, tourism and infrastructure have already been sanctioned under the scheme.
