Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma revealed that 92 villages in the state have been chosen for the Vibrant Village Programme-II. The scheme’s implementation dates are pending notification by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The programme, overseen by the state’s Border Areas Development department, is set to run until 2028-29.
CM Sangma highlighted that the Vibrant Village Programme was initiated following the discontinuation of the Border Areas Development Programme by the Centre in September 2022. He addressed concerns raised by several MLAs regarding fund allocation for border areas after the cessation of BADP. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for continued provision by the state government to meet development requirements in border regions, stressing that progress should not be solely measured based on BADP allocations.
The state government has allocated Rs 14.99 crore specifically for inter-state border development, demonstrating Meghalaya’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and living standards in its border areas. CM Sangma also expressed reservations about the composition of district-level committees under the Vibrant Village Programme, citing the exclusion of elected MLAs as per the Centre’s guidelines. He assured that the matter has been brought to the attention of New Delhi for resolution.
