Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), officially flagged off a group of 50 students along with faculties from the School of Internal Security and Smart Policing at RRU Gandhinagar, Gujarat and its Pasighat Campus in Arunachal Pradesh. These students are embarking on an educational mission to the border villages of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on February 15, 2023, designed to foster the comprehensive development of villages in 46 blocks across 19 districts along India’s northern border. This includes areas in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Ladakh. The programme aims to improve the quality of life and enhance infrastructure in these strategically significant border villages, providing incentives for residents to remain in their communities.

The VVP seeks to boost local economies by identifying economic drivers based on the unique local, natural, human, and other resources of each village. It focuses on promoting social entrepreneurship and empowering youth and women through skill development initiatives. Additionally, the programme aims to foster sustainable economic growth by supporting community-based organizations and cooperatives. Key areas of intervention include enhancing road connectivity, housing, energy supply (including renewable energy), and telecom connectivity. There is also a strong emphasis on promoting tourism, cultural heritage, and sustainable agricultural practices through the 'one village-one product' model.

During the flag-off ceremony, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "The Vibrant Villages Programme offers a unique opportunity for our students to gain firsthand experience in community development and national security management in some of the most remote and strategically vital areas of our nation. This experience will not only deepen their understanding of the socio-economic dynamics of border regions but also prepare them to contribute meaningfully to our country's security and development."

The students will visit several villages included in the VVP in Arunachal Pradesh, where they will engage directly with local communities, learn about the challenges these regions face, and contribute to ongoing development projects. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the security framework along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) by supporting development in border areas and ensuring these communities remain vibrant and resilient. The programme is being executed and coordinated by the Indo Tibetian Border Police (ITBP) and Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The students will return with actionable perceptions and creative recommendations, driving the continued evolution and improvement of initiatives in the region.

This educational journey aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and security in border areas fostering socio economic development and objectives of Viksit Bharat.

 About Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU):

Rashtriya Raksha University is an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. It is dedicated to education and research in national security and policing. RRU aims to develop professionals equipped to serve in various security and law enforcement agencies, ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

About the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP):

The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, aimed at improving the quality of life in border villages across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Ladakh. Covering 2,963 villages, with 663 villages included in the first phase, the programme focuses on promoting sustainable development, enhancing security, and empowering local communities through targeted interventions in infrastructure, economic growth, and social entrepreneurship.

AP/GP/JD

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