Jaipur, May 30 -- The Rajasthan government is set to undertake large-scale infrastructure and livelihood development works in 184 strategically important border villages across five districts under the Vibrant Village Programme-II, aimed at improving connectivity, public services, employment opportunities and overall quality of life in frontier areas. Under the programme, comprehensive development works related to village infrastructure will be carried out in strategically selected villages in the border districts of Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Phalodi. The initiative will focus on road connectivity, healthcare, education, electricity, television and telecommunication connectivity, livelihood generation, tourism promotion, cultural activities, awareness campaigns, youth empowerment and skill development, financial inclusion, cooperatives, self-help groups, farmer producer organisations and maintenance of public assets. Officials said the initiative is intended not only to improve living standards in border regions but also to generate new opportunities in employment, tourism, local livelihoods and social empowerment. Out of the 184 strategic villages identified under the programme, 68 are located in Sri Ganganagar district, 46 in Bikaner, 36 in Barmer, 30 in Jaisalmer and four in Phalodi district. At present, 515 development works worth over Rs.232 crore have been proposed in 123 of these villages. The state government said the programme reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision that "border villages are not the last villages of the country, but the first villages." Officials said chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is personally monitoring the implementation of the programme and directing departments to ensure timely and quality execution so that people living in border areas receive tangible benefits. Under the programme guidelines, Rs.3 crore has been earmarked annually to ensure saturation of development schemes and infrastructure in strategic villages. Additionally, all-weather road connectivity, telecommunication facilities, television connectivity and on-grid electrification will be ensured in 3,195 villages located in border blocks across Rajasthan under four thematic sectors. The government is also focusing on strengthening engagement with communities living near international borders through cultural programmes, community meetings, tourism activities, training sessions and awareness campaigns. Social media outreach is also being used to build emotional and social connect with residents of border regions. Officials said the entire process, from village verification to submission of proposals, is being carried out through the Vibrant Village portal. So far, verification and profile updation of all 184 strategic villages selected under 10 saturation sectors has been completed. In the four thematic sectors, more than 3,000 out of 3,195 villages in border blocks have been verified, while profiles of 2,558 villages have already been updated....