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Meghalaya's 92 Villages Chosen for Vibrant Village Programme

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has informed the state Assembly that 92 villages have been selected under the Centre's Vibrant Village Programme-II, which will be implemented until 2028-29. The programme replaces the Border Areas Development Programme (BADP), which was discontinued by the Government of India in September 2022. Sangma noted concerns from MLAs about funding and flagged an issue with the programme's district-level committees, which currently exclude elected MLAs as per central guidelines. The state government has sanctioned nearly Rs 15 crore specifically for inter-state border development while committing to pursue the committee matter with the Centre.

Key Points: 92 Meghalaya Villages Selected for Vibrant Village Programme

  • 92 villages selected for Vibrant Village Programme-II
  • Scheme to run till 2028-29
  • Replaces discontinued Border Areas Development Programme
  • State raises concerns over committee composition
  • Rs 14.99 crore sanctioned for inter-state border work
2 min read

92 villages selected for Vibrant Village Programme: Meghalaya CM

Meghalaya CM announces 92 villages selected under Vibrant Village Programme-II, addressing funding and committee concerns for border development.

"One cannot judge development of border areas from the amount spent under BADP alone. - Conrad K. Sangma"

Shillong, Feb 23

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday said that 92 villages in the state have been selected under the Vibrant Village Programme-II, even as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is yet to notify the dates for the scheme implementation.

Replying to a question in the Assembly, CM Sangma said that the programme will be implemented till 2028-29 and will be overseen by the state's Border Areas Development (BAD) department.

He explained that the Vibrant Village Programme was introduced after the Centre discontinued the Border Areas Development Programme (BADP) in September 2022.

"The Border Areas Development Programme was discontinued by the Government of India in September 2022, and it was decided that a new programme called the Vibrant Village Programme would be brought in," the Chief Minister said.

CM Sangma noted that several MLAs had raised concerns over the allocation of funds for border areas following the discontinuation of BADP.

"The MLAs met with me regarding the sanctioning of some amount because of the discontinuation of BADP. I had included some amount, but it is not sufficient as we have to cover both inter-state and international borders," he said.

He added that the state government would continue to make provisions to address development needs in border areas, cautioning against assessing progress solely on the basis of BADP allocations.

"One cannot judge development of border areas from the amount spent under BADP alone," CM Sangma said, pointing out that additional funding streams, including Lafarge SPV support, have contributed to development initiatives in areas such as Mawsynram and Shella.

The Chief Minister also flagged concerns over the composition of district-level committees under the Vibrant Village Programme.

He said that as per the Centre's guidelines, these committees do not include elected MLAs, a matter that the state government has already raised with New Delhi.

"These are areas where the final decision has to be taken at the Central level. I will take up the matter personally," CM Sangma told the House.

He further informed that the state government has sanctioned Rs 14.99 crore specifically for inter-state border development, reaffirming Meghalaya's commitment to improving infrastructure and living conditions in its border regions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see focus on Meghalaya's border areas. But why are elected MLAs not included in the district committees? Local representatives know the ground reality best. The CM is right to take this up with the Centre.
R
Rohit P
The name change from BADP to Vibrant Village Programme sounds good, but I hope it's not just a rebranding exercise. The real test will be visible development on the ground - better roads, schools, and healthcare for those 92 villages.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read. As someone from outside India, it's good to see detailed reporting on regional development schemes. The funding structure and committee composition debates show a vibrant democracy at work.
K
Karthik V
With a timeline till 2028-29, there needs to be strict accountability. We've seen many schemes where funds get delayed or misused. Hope the CM's personal involvement ensures smooth implementation. Jai Hind!
N
Nisha Z
While the intent is good, I respectfully disagree with the CM's point about not judging development by BADP allocation alone. For remote border villages, these central funds are often the primary source for basic infrastructure. The state's own provision of ~15 crore seems insufficient.

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