5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards conferred on Best Performing Cities and Wards on Swachh Vayu Diwas 2026; Compendium of Best Management Practices under NCAP released

 

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

 5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards conferred on Best Performing Cities and Wards on Swachh Vayu Diwas 2026; Compendium of Best Management Practices under NCAP released

Local Bodies must engage in All-inclusive and Whole of Society Approach to address the issue of Air Pollution: Chairperson (NGT)

Fighting Air Pollution a Continuous Programme, requiring Citizen-led Movement in Mission Mode: Secretary (EFCC)

Posted On: 07 SEP 2026 2:29PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organized the Swachh Vayu Diwas 2026 today, on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. The event was presided over by Chairperson, National Green Tribunal (NGT), Justice Prakash Shrivastava as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Secretary (EFCC), Shri Tanmay Kumar; Chairperson (CAQM), Shri Rajesh Verma; DG (Forest) and Special Secretary (EFCC), Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi; Chairperson (CPCB), Shri Amandeep Garg; and AS (EFCC), Shri Ashutosh Agnihotri. Officials from Union Ministries, Multilateral organisations, Mayors, District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners of award-winning Cities and wards, besides officials from MoEFCC, CPCB and CAQM were present.

In his address, Justice Shrivastava appreciated the efforts of Union and State Governments under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). He stated that this is an occasion to recognise efforts made by cities/wards across the country to ensure the quality of air is maintained within the prescribed parameters. “The awardees have shown that clean air is not an aspiration but a practical goal that can be achieved with proper planning and ground level implementation”, he noted. The Chairperson highlighted that clean air is a fundamental need rather than a luxury. He stated, “Development and Environmental conservation are not at cross purposes but can go together while maintaining the quality of life for the citizens. It is the responsibility of each citizen to ensure that generations to come are able to live in a clean environment”.

Justice Shrivastava called air pollution a complex challenge as it doesn't know political boundaries and a multitude of sources contribute to it. The Chairperson stressed that the frontline institutions are the urban/rural local bodies that ensure the effective implementation of the National vision. With the Swachh Sarvekshan Awards, the Government recognises the efforts of all stakeholders in the field of air quality management, who put in efforts to ensure that the air quality remains within the prescribed limits, he stated. “It is essential that local bodies strive for prevention of pollution generation at source by making citizens aware; adopt latest technologies to tackle the issue; and engage in an all-inclusive and whole of society approach to address the issue”, he added.

In his address on the occasion, Secretary (EFCC), Shri Tanmay Kumar informed that the Government of India is taking a multi-pronged, coordinated and scientific approach towards tackling air pollution as per Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision. Public representatives are being incorporated in this mission to encourage participation of citizens to fight air pollution as well ensure capacity building of all stakeholders.

Shri Kumar talked about the NCAP that provides a framework where cities have their own strategies to ensure clean air, while the PRANA portal tracks various parameters of air quality management for 130 cities under NCAP. He said that fighting air pollution is a continuous programme, not a one-off activity. It requires a citizen-led movement in mission mode to achieve a clean environment for generations to come. He congratulated all the awardees for their efforts and encouraged them to make air quality management a jan-bhagidari movement.

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards

On this occasion, MoEFCC awarded the best performing Cities and Wards under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), ranked as part of the 5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan. Swachh Vayu Survekshan Framework released in 2022-23 on measures taken by cities on road dust, SWM, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, C&D waste management, other emissions (DG sets and commercial establishments), IEC activities.

The awards were based on participation and ranking of all 130 cities in 3 groups (Population below 3 Lakh; 3-10 Lakh; & above 10 Lakh), through the process involving self-assessment by cities, approval by State-level Monitoring Committee, evaluation by CPCB, field verification by Independent Committees and selection of 10 best performing cities.

List of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awardees

Achievements under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

During Swachh Vayu Diwas, progress and achievements made under the NCAP, a flagship initiative launched to improve air quality across 130 cities in 24 States/UTs, were highlighted.  A performance linked grant of ₹ 16,425 crore has been provided to 130 NCAP cities as critical gap funding to implement air pollution mitigation measures.

NCAP has shown positive results in terms of achieving reduction in PM10 levels in 2025-26 with respect to the levels of FY 2017-18:

• 108 out of 130 cities have shown improvement in PM10 levels.
• 72 cities have achieved reduction in PM10 concentrations of more than 20%.
• 26 cities have recorded reductions exceeding 40%.
• 14 cities have met National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Compendium of Best Management Practices under NCAP

During the event, the Compendium of Best Management Practices under NCAP was released. It highlights best practices and successful air quality improvement measures implemented by cities and State Pollution Control Boards/Committees under NCAP, in various sectors namely, Road dust control, Vehicular pollution, industrial pollution, Solid and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste management, Control of open burning, Greening, Use of technology and Public Outreach. These best practices would be helpful in replicating them by other cities and SPCBs.

Secretary, DSIR and Director General, CSIR, Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, inaugurates sustainable phase of the Hub Hub has facilitated over 20 technology transfers and supported commercialisation of affordable medical technologies

 

DSIR-CRTDH on Affordable Healthcare at IIT Kharagpur enters sustainable phase, strengthens lab-to-market translation and last-mile healthcare delivery

Secretary, DSIR and Director General, CSIR, Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, inaugurates sustainable phase of the Hub

Hub has facilitated over 20 technology transfers and supported commercialisation of affordable medical technologies

Rural health workers trained under the Hub take affordable diagnostic technologies to underserved communities

Posted On: 05 SEP 2026 4:40PM by PIB Delhi

The Sustainable Phase of the Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH) on Affordable Healthcare at IIT Kharagpur was inaugurated today by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), at the Ben Gupta Auditorium, IIT Kharagpur.

Established in 2019 under the CRTDH Scheme of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, the CRTDH on Affordable Healthcare has successfully completed its initial grant-supported phase and has transitioned into a sustainable phase. The Hub is now operating as a self-sustaining national facility for affordable healthcare technology development and translation, meeting its operational costs through user fees, industry sponsorships and translational partnerships, while continuing to provide infrastructure and technical support to innovators. The facility will continue to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure, technical expertise, and technology development support to MSMEs, startups, innovators, and other stakeholders. The transition of the CRTDH to a self-sustaining model marks an important milestone in strengthening industry–academia collaboration, technology translation, and innovation-led healthcare solutions, while ensuring the continued availability of shared research and technology development infrastructure. The programme was organised as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of IIT Kharagpur.

Chief guest of the event, Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and DG, CSIR, in her address emphasised the role of DSIR and the network of CRTDHs in enabling MSMEs, start-ups and individual innovators to strengthen indigenous capability in medical technology. She said that the continued functioning of a CRTDH beyond the period of DSIR support demonstrates the intended outcome of the programme i.e. to serve industry and innovators in a self-sustaining mode. She emphasised that wider utilisation of these facilities would contribute to strengthening the country's indigenous technological capabilities, advancing self-reliance in medical device technologies, and supporting the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India for Viksit Bharat 2047.

On this occasion, Dr. (Mrs.) Kalaiselvi visited the CRTDH wet and dry laboratories and the THRIVE Centre along with Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Director, IIT Kharagpur, (Principal Investigator, CRTDH) and DSIR officials. Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi planted a sapling on the IIT Kharagpur campus, symbolising the beginning of the sustainable phase of the DSIR-CRTDH at IIT Kharagpur and reaffirming the commitment towards its continued growth, sustainability, and long-term contribution to innovation and technology development.

Presenting the journey of the Hub from 2019 to 2026, Prof. Suman Chakraborty highlighted the importance of frugal innovation in addressing the constraints faced in real-world healthcare delivery. He stated that designing technologies for use in settings without sophisticated infrastructure and by frontline health workers requires engineering solutions that are robust and accessible. Operating from a 5,000-square-foot facility, the CRTDH has facilitated over 20 technology transfers, many already commercialised, and has partnered with clinical and non-governmental organisations to establish rural health units to support the deployment of affordable healthcare technologies through rural health units.

During the MSME Voices session, enterprises mentored by the CRTDH shared their experiences while translating laboratory prototypes into commercial products. The participating enterprises were felicitated by the Chief Guest and the Director, IIT Kharagpur. Fifteen frontline health workers from remote villages, including the Sundarbans and Birbhum, shared their experiences of deploying affordable diagnostic technologies at the community level. Trained and certified under the Hub’s skilling programmes, in line with the objectives of Skill India, these health workers are now operating rural health units alongside the health delivery structures under the National Health Mission. Through these units, the trained health workers support screening, referral and follow-up services for communities where access to diagnostic facilities remains limited or intermittent.

Dr. Vipin Shukla, Scientist ‘G’ and Head of the CRTDH Scheme of DSIR, whose guidance has been instrumental in the development of the CRTDH initiative, was also acknowledged on the occasion. Dr. Ranjeet Bairwa, Scientist ‘F’ and Member Secretary – CRTDH, DSIR, and Dr. Kailash Petkar, Scientist ‘D’, DSIR, who closely monitored the implementation of the project, were also present during the event and participated in the proceedings. Continued association of the DSIR-CRTDH team with the project was duly acknowledged, followed by a screening of the CRTDH film.

The proceedings highlighted the convergence of frugal technology, local skilling and public health delivery as an important pathway for achieving the objectives of Viksit Bharat to the last mile. The initiative demonstrates how self-reliance in medical devices, employment opportunities for rural youth and equitable access to healthcare can be addressed through an integrated innovation and delivery ecosystem. At the end, the DSIR officials were felicitated by the Director, IIT, Kharagpur. The proceedings were coordinated by Mr. Sohom Banerjee, Project Manager, CRTDH, IIT Kharagpur.

Approximately 200 participants attended the program, including Senior Officers of DSIR, delegates from chambers of commerce and MSME associations, officials of Government MSME development institutions, MSMEs, start-ups, innovators, clinical partners, rural health workers, faculties, researchers, and students of the Institute. Technologies developed at the CRTDH and products commercialised by partner enterprises were exhibited during the event, providing an opportunity for participants to interact with the innovators.

 

National Biodiversity Authority Crosses ₹200-Crore Milestone in ABS Disbursement

 

National Biodiversity Authority Crosses ₹200-Crore Milestone in ABS Disbursement

₹8.23 crore in Access and Benefit-Sharing proceeds to be disbursed to States and UTs from utilisation of four key vegetable crops

Posted On: 05 SEP 2026 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has crossed a significant milestone in the implementation of India’s Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework, with cumulative ABS disbursements exceeding ₹200 crore. As part of this continuing effort, the NBA has sanctioned ₹8.23 crore in ABS proceeds to 27 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and 5 Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs), arising from the access and utilisation of biological resources associated with Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia), Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), Chilli (Capsicum annuum) and Onion (Allium cepa).

The ABS proceeds were realised from seed companies M/s Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd., M/s East West Seeds India Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Bayer Science and Innovation Pvt. Ltd. in connection with access to these biological resources for research and commercial utilisation.

The biological resources had been accessed through the open market or through traders and hence could not be traced to specific individual farmers, communities or a single identifiable geographic source. Accordingly, in accordance with the modality recommended by the Expert Committee and approved by the Authority, the beneficiary share is being distributed among the SBBs/UTBCs of the States and Union Territories where the respective crops are cultivated.

The distribution is based on the area under cultivation, as published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This approach enables the ABS proceeds to be channelled towards States and Union Territories associated with the cultivation of the respective biological resources, where direct identification of the individual providers or source communities is not possible.

Among the States and UTs receiving the ABS proceeds, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra emerge as the largest cumulative recipients across the four crops. Madhya Pradesh's share is supported by its cultivation of Bitter Gourd, Chilli and Onion, while Maharashtra's position is primarily attributed to its significant share of India's Onion cultivation area, accounting for more than 49 per cent. The combined ABS amounts payable to the ten largest recipient States/UTs across the four crops are as follows:

 

S.No.	State/UT	ABS amount disbursed (in INR)
1	Madhya Pradesh	1,17,39,914
2	Maharashtra	1,01,30,649
3	Andhra Pradesh	75,55,077
4	Karnataka	65,22,893
5	Gujarat	64,05,708
6	Odisha	57,63,361
7	Bihar	47,63,367
8	Chhattisgarh	39,91,285
9	West Bengal	36,04,978
10	Uttar Pradesh	35,72,456
11	Remaining States/UTs	1,82,88,892

The SBBs/UTBCs are required to utilise the funds for activities enumerated under Section 32(2) of the Biological Diversity Act 2002, including documentation and updation of People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), in-situ and ex-situ conservation of biological resources, restoration of degraded ecosystems, strengthening of Biodiversity Heritage Sites, capacity building of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and enhancement of community livelihoods.

The latest disbursement marks another important step in India's efforts to ensure that benefits arising from the utilisation of biological resources are channelled towards biodiversity conservation and associated community-oriented activities.

The cumulative ABS disbursement of more than ₹200 crore underscores the continued efforts of the NBA to strengthen implementation of the Biological Diversity Act and operationalise the principle of fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of biological resources. The initiative also contributes to India's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, as well as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), particularly Target 13, which calls for effective measures to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources, as applicable.

Vibrant Villages Programme

 

Vibrant Villages Programme

Strengthening India's Frontiers Through Inclusive Development

Posted On: 06 SEP 2026 11:00AM by PIB Delhi

The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) has redefined the role of India's border villages. They are no longer remote outposts. They are now strategic partners in national security and development. The programme is implemented through VVP-I and VVP-II, with a combined outlay of Rs 11,639 crore. It is expanding road connectivity, electricity, telecommunications, healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities across villages along India's international land borders. VVP seeks to build vibrant, resilient and prosperous border communities. It improves quality of life and creates sustainable economic opportunities. In doing so, it strengthens India’s border security by sustaining thriving communities along its frontiers.

 

Why the Border Village Matters

India shares over 15,000 kilometres (km) of international land border with seven neighbouring countries. The longest stretch runs 4,096.7 km along the border with Bangladesh. China follows at 3,488 km and Pakistan at 3,323 km. Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistan account for the remainder.

For decades, many border villages remained isolated by difficult terrain, weak connectivity, limited infrastructure and few livelihood opportunities. These challenges triggered out-migration, leaving several frontier areas sparsely populated. To address these longstanding issues, the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) was launched in 2023. It seeks to accelerate the comprehensive development of selected villages along India's borders. Recognising border residents as the eyes and ears of the border guiding forces, it aims to build vibrant, secure and prosperous frontier communities. The programme also marks a shift in perspective by treating these settlements not as the nation's last villages, but as its first.

Starting with northern border villages, the Government has expanded the programme across the entire land frontier in phases. Empowered border communities form the foundation of a secure and strong Viksit Bharat@2047.

Did You Know? The first warning of the 1999 Kargil intrusion did not come from a radar or a patrol. On 3 May 1999, local residents were the first to report suspicious movement in the Kargil sector. This underscores the importance of border communities as the first line of defence for the nation.

 

Two Phases, One Frontier Mission

The Government is implementing the Vibrant Villages Programme in two phases that together cover India's entire international land border. VVP-I covers villages along the northern border. VVP-II extends the same approach to the other international land borders. Together, the two phases aim to cover more than 2616 villages with a combined outlay of Rs. 11,639 crore.

The two phases differ in design but share a single purpose. VVP-I is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented with the States, while VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme funded fully by the Centre. Both phases of the initiative aim to improve living conditions, generate local livelihoods and empower border communities. They work to strengthen the nation's border security by developing "first villages" as vibrant centres of growth.

VVP-I: Strengthening Northern Border Communities

The first phase of the VVP was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 for villages along the northern border. It was launched at Kibithoo in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh on 10 April 2023. The villages in 46 blocks abutting northern border in 4 States and 1 UT in 19 Districts were identified out of which 662 strategic villages were taken on priority for comprehensive development covering a population of about 1.42 lakh. These are Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and the Union Territory of Ladakh. The scheme was approved with an outlay of Rs 4,800 crore. This covers the financial years 2022-23 to 2026-27. Out of this amount, Rs 2,500 crore was earmarked for road connectivity. The programme aims to bridge the development gap in remote border villages. It strives to provide quality infrastructure and essential services to them comparable to those available elsewhere in the country.

Did You Know? Kibithoo was chosen to launch the VVP due to its strategic location, history and development needs. Located in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, it is among India's easternmost inhabited villages. The area witnessed fierce fighting during the 1962 India–China War. Remote terrain, sparse connectivity and out-migration have long constrained development. Launching the Programme from Kibithoo reflected the Government's vision of bringing development first to the nation's frontier.

Key interventions under VVP-I

The programme supports all-weather roads, drinking water, reliable electricity, mobile and internet connectivity, and essential healthcare and education infrastructure. It also promotes tourism facilities and multi-purpose community centres to improve livelihoods and the overall quality of life. Livelihood support is organised on a hub-and-spoke model. It encourages social entrepreneurship, the empowerment of youth and women, the promotion of tourism and local culture, and one-block-one-product enterprises. By creating convergence, VVP-I established the delivery model that the second phase now carries to the rest of the land border.

       

Did You Know? India has been supporting border villages for nearly four decades. The Border Area Development Programme (BADP) was launched in 1986-87 along the western border. It was later expanded to cover villages within 10 km from the first habitation from international border. It covered 111 districts across 16 States and 2 Union Territories, and sanctioned over 39,000 development works since 2004-05. The programme is now in its sunset phase. Building on this foundation, VVP focuses on selected border villages. It ensures they receive every applicable government scheme, helping people stay in their villages and strengthen border security.

VVP-II: Extending the Model to All Land Borders

The Union Cabinet approved VVP-II on 2nd April, 2025. Unlike the first phase, VVP-II is funded entirely by the Centre and implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was formally launched on 20th February, 2026 at Nathanpur village in Cachar district of Assam. The scheme carries an outlay of Rs. 6,839 crores  till financial year 2028-29.

It has identified 1,954 villages for comprehensive development in 334 blocks abutting the international land borders. These blocks lie in 15 States and 2 Union Territories. The States/UTs are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir (UT) and Ladakh (UT). Blocks on the northern border, already covered under VVP-I have been excluded to avoid duplication of efforts.

Interventions under VVP-II

The Government of India approved a comprehensive package under VVP-II to strengthen border villages. The scheme supports infrastructure, value chains through cooperatives and self-help groups (SHGs), SMART classrooms, tourism circuits and sustainable livelihoods. It also promotes road connectivity, healthcare, financial inclusion, skill development, and telecom connectivity. The objective is to improve living conditions, generate livelihoods and encourage people to stay in border villages. It extends the Vibrant Villages Programme to India's entire land border under a unified development framework.

 

Did You Know?  VVP-II seeks to build prosperous and secure border areas. It places special emphasis on preventing and controlling trans-border crime through stronger border communities.

 

Delivering Development Through Scheme Convergence

The VVP implementation is guided by Village Action Plans. This is to be achieved through border-specific, State-specific and village-specific interventions based on local needs. The programme follows a convergence-based approach, ensuring saturation of schemes under existing norms. All-weather roads are being developed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV of the Ministry of Rural Development.

Since the border villages face unique challenges, a High-Powered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary may recommend relaxations in scheme guidelines to address them. The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal ministry. It works closely with State Governments, district administrations and border guarding forces for coordinated planning and implementation.

Impact on the Ground

Since its launch, Vibrant Villages Programme-I has laid the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development in northern border villages.

 

As of July, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned 1,248 projects with an outlay of Rs. 3,020.32 crore. A further 1,655 projects have been sanctioned by Central Ministries and Departments under convergence. An amount of Rs. 953.47 crore has been released to the States and the Union Territories, while 283 projects have been reported completed by them. A state/UT wise table for the sanctioned projects is given below.

S. No.	State or Union Territory	Projects sanctioned by MHA
1.	Arunachal Pradesh	832
2.	Himachal Pradesh	98
3.	Ladakh (UT)	79
4.	Sikkim	87
5.	Uttarakhand	152
	Total	1,248

 

Connectivity: roads and long span bridges

In all, 111 road projects with an outlay of Rs. 2,481.93 crore have been sanctioned. These roads will connect 134 villages that had no road access earlier. A total of 35 long span bridges were also sanctioned under these projects. Better roads are expected to ease travel, widen local markets and support tourism in these villages.

Tourism as a new source of income

Tourism has become one of the most visible components of the programme on the ground. Under VVP-I, 327 tourism projects with an outlay of Rs. 145 crores have been approved. These include viewpoints, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, eco-resorts, trek routes and tourist centres.

Outreach and service delivery

More than 8,800 activities were held up to 31st July, 2026. These include awareness drives, service delivery camps, health and veterinary camps, and skill training. Arunachal Pradesh recorded 2,990 activities, and Ladakh recorded 2,221 activities. Uttarakhand held 2,038, Himachal Pradesh 1,037 and Sikkim 530 activities.

Did You Know? The Viksit Vibrant Village Programme transforms border villages into living classrooms for India's youth. In 2026, over 400 volunteers from every State and Union Territory spent a week in 74 border villages across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. They engaged in community service, cultural exchange and grassroots development.

VVP: Impact Beyond Infrastructure

The impact of the Vibrant Villages Programme extends beyond infrastructure to strengthen security, livelihoods, governance and community resilience.

Security: A populated and confident border belt supports the work of the border-guarding forces. Both phases seek to create a strong frontier population acting as a strategic asset to the nation.

Demography & Reverse Migration: Livelihood opportunities and improved connectivity give families reason to remain in the border villages. In Arunachal Pradesh, people of border villages of Kurung Kumey, Dibang Valley and Shi-Yomi districts are returning to their villages. This signifies the impact of the programme.

Economy: Border tourism, cooperatives, SHGs and Farmer Producer Organisations are creating a local income base in areas where economic opportunity was previously limited. Local procurement by the border guarding forces adds an assured market within the village itself.

Governance: The saturation approach brings every eligible household in these villages within the reach of existing Central and State schemes. Village Action Plans give the district administration a single instrument for sequencing that work across several departments.

Collectively, these four strands describe a single idea: that development and security are not competing claims on the frontier but reinforce one another.

Did You Know?  In Arunachal Pradesh, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) procures milk, vegetables, eggs and grains directly from vibrant villages. A border post thereby becomes a dependable customer for the farms beside it.

Towards a Connected and Self-Reliant Frontier

The Vibrant Villages Programme is a promise that India's frontier communities will share fully in the nation's progress. Better infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods and convergence of government schemes are creating opportunities closer to home. At the same time, border tourism and local enterprise are unlocking the region's potential. As these villages become more vibrant, prosperous and self-reliant, they will continue to strengthen India's borders and advance the vision of a secure, inclusive and Viksit Bharat by 2047.

References

Prime Minister’s Office

• https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-to-interact-with-participants-of-viksit-vibrant-village-programme-2026-on-26-july/

Cabinet

• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1899446
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2118730

Ministry of Home Affairs

• https://www.mha.gov.in/en/divisionofmha/border-management-i-division
• https://www.mha.gov.in/MHA1/Par2017/pdfs/par2026-pdfs/LS03022026/508.pdf
• https://www.mha.gov.in/MHA1/Par2017/pdfs/par2026-pdfs/RS18032026/2962.pdf
• https://www.mha.gov.in/MHA1/Par2017/pdfs/par2026-pdfs/RS25032026/3744.pdf
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222585
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1811258
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1899447
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1915417
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2118731
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2160827
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230157
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230734
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2245022
• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2290369

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

• https://mybharat.gov.in/mega_events/viksit-vibrant-village-program

Press Information Bureau (Research Unit)

• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159313&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

Sansad TV

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmfRPNYXIcw

Click here to see pdf