India, Sept. 6 -- India is transforming its border communities through the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), a major development initiative aimed at turning remote frontier settlements into vibrant centres of economic activity and stronger contributors to national security. Implemented in two phases, VVP-I and VVP-II, the programme has a combined outlay of Rs 11,639 crore and seeks to cover more than 2,616 villages along India's international land borders.

The initiative focuses on improving road connectivity, electricity, telecommunications, healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities in border regions. The government's approach represents a significant shift in how frontier settlements are viewed, positioning them as India's "f...