Northeast Desk, 9th March: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on March 9, criticized the previous Congress-led UPA government for neglecting border villages in the northeastern states. Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Northeast’ program in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, PM Modi highlighted his government’s ‘Vibrant Village Program’, contrasting it with the alleged disregard of border villages by the Congress.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of border villages, referring to them as the first villages rather than the last, and lauded his government’s efforts in prioritizing their development through the Vibrant Village Program.
Responding to criticism regarding familial ties, PM Modi asserted that every family in Arunachal Pradesh is part of his family, reaffirming his commitment to building a developed India and ensuring a brighter future for the youth.
The Prime Minister defended his government’s flagship programs, labeling them as ‘Modi ki Guarantee’. He cited the completion of the Sela Tunnel, inaugurated in 2019, as evidence of his administration’s commitment to development.
Highlighting the Vibrant Village Program, PM Modi outlined its scope, covering 2,967 villages across 19 districts along the northern border for comprehensive development, with a focus on 455 villages in Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life in border villages, stem outmigration, and enhance border security.
In its initial phase, 662 villages have been earmarked for priority coverage under the Vibrant Village Program, with a broader goal of fostering sustainable development and security in the border regions.