Mains Marathon

Introduce by writing about vibrant village program. Discuss how it will strengthen India's capacity in border management. Discuss some issues in executing it. Conclude accordingly.

Answer:

Vibrant Village Program is a Centrally sponsored scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 (to 2025-26) for development of villages on the northern border, thus improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages. It will cover the border areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Ladakh.

• It will cover 2,963 villages with 663 of them to be covered in the first phase. Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of Gram Panchayats.

Strengthen India's capacity in border management:

• Infrastructure Development: Building robust infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication networks, would improve accessibility to remote border areas.
  • e.g. Developing quality road networks in the border regions of Jammu and Kashmir has facilitated troop deployment and logistics, improving security management.
• Emergency Services and Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening healthcare facilities and disaster response mechanisms would ensure timely assistance during emergencies.
  • e.g. In the aftermath of natural disasters like landslides or earthquakes, efficient infrastructure could expedite relief operations in remote border regions like the northeastern states.
• Livelihood Opportunities: Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for border communities could deter them from engaging in illegal activities, contributing to regional stability.
  • e.g. In Arunachal Pradesh, initiatives like horticulture and organic farming have not only improved livelihoods but also reduced the inclination towards insurgent activities.
  • e.g. The Sikkim Organic Mission, an initiative in the state of Sikkim, promotes organic farming and sustainable agriculture in hilly areas, providing economic alternatives to local populations.
• Education and Skill Development: Focusing on education and skill development would empower the local population, reducing their susceptibility to radicalization.
  • e.g. In Himachal Pradesh, education initiatives in border villages have not only improved literacy rates but also discouraged involvement in cross-border smuggling.
  • e.g. The Himachal Pradesh Health Department has initiated programs to improve healthcare facilities and access to medical services in remote hilly regions along the India-China border.
• Border Surveillance and Security: Enhancing border surveillance through technology and better infrastructure could deter infiltration and unauthorized activities.
  • The implementation of advanced surveillance systems has improved vigilance along the India-Pakistan border, deterring infiltration attempts.
• Cultural and Ecological Preservation: The program could support initiatives that preserve the unique cultural heritage and ecological balance of these regions, promoting responsible tourism and environmental conservation.
  • The Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG) works to promote sustainable tourism and preserve Ladakh's culture and environment, mitigating potential negative impacts on the region.

Some challenges in its implementation:

• Proximity to Sensitive Borders: The construction of infrastructure near the Line of Control (LAC) in Ladakh has sometimes led to heightened tensions and increased security concerns.
• Infiltration and Terrorism: Development projects could be exploited as cover for infiltrators or terrorists to enter the country, posing security threats.
  • The 2019 Pulwama attack targeted a convoy of security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the vulnerability of security forces operating in challenging terrains.
• Strategic Information Leakage: Information leaks regarding military installations near the India-China border have raised concerns about compromising national security.
• Local Radicalization and Influence: Marginalized border populations could become susceptible to radicalization or influence from extremist groups.
  • The North-East region of India has experienced instances of local radicalization and insurgent activities, impacting security dynamics.
• Cross-Border Smuggling: Development projects might inadvertently facilitate cross-border smuggling of goods or contraband.
  • The India-Bangladesh border region has witnessed instances of smuggling due to its porous nature and uneven development.

Prime Minister Modi has always maintained that the border villages are not the last villages of the country but the first villages. It is linked with national security and, without keeping the villages secure, we cannot keep our borders safe. Developing Vibrant Villages will add an extra layer to the border security of the country.