Nathanpur, Assam | February 20, 2026 (PIB Delhi):
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today launched the ₹6,839 crore Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP–II) in Nathanpur village, Assam, in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, Shah stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has redefined the concept of border villages. “There was a time when villages located on the borders were called the country’s last villages. Prime Minister Modi resolved that every village on the border is not the last but the first village of India,” he said.
Scope of VVP–II
Under VVP–II, approximately ₹6,900 crore will be invested to develop 1,954 villages across 334 blocks in 17 states, including 140 villages in Assam covering nine districts and 26 blocks. The programme focuses on:
Security strengthening
Saturation of welfare schemes
Road and telecom connectivity
Infrastructure and livelihood generation
Shah noted that nearly 2,000 villages along international borders will benefit from the initiative, ensuring access to facilities comparable to other developed villages across the country.
Assam’s Development Trajectory
Highlighting the state’s progress, Shah said Assam has witnessed rapid infrastructure growth over the past decade. He cited:
Construction of 14 km of roads per day over the past five years
Upgradation of over 24,000 km of roads
Construction of multiple bridges, including four major bridges in the last 10 years
₹30,000 crore for roads, ₹95,000 crore for railways, and ₹10,000 crore for airports
He also pointed to improvements in socio-economic indicators, stating that multidimensional poverty in Assam declined from 37% to 14% by 2023, while per capita income increased from ₹49,000 in 2013–14 to ₹1.54 lakh in 2024–25.
Shah credited the Assam government for restoring peace and curbing extremism, asserting that stability and governance reforms have boosted investor confidence. He also highlighted the establishment of a ₹27,000 crore semiconductor plant and the rollout of a lucrative industrial policy aimed at accelerating economic growth.
Strategic Significance
The Union Home Minister emphasized that Vibrant Villages Programme–II will prevent migration from border areas, strengthen national security, and promote balanced regional development.
