Kupwara, May 15,2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said the administration is committed to transforming border villages into self-reliant and economically vibrant regions under the Vibrant Village Phase-2 programme, with a strong focus on livelihoods, connectivity, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Addressing officials and local residents during his visit to Trehgam in Kupwara district, the Lieutenant Governor said the programme has been designed around three key pillars aimed at ensuring holistic rural development in remote and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the first pillar focuses on securing sustainable livelihoods by promoting new cooperative societies, self-help groups (SHGs), tourism circuits, and cottage industries. Special emphasis is being placed on empowering women and youth through entrepreneurship and community-based economic activities.
The Lieutenant Governor said the second pillar of the programme focuses on strengthening physical and digital connectivity in every Vibrant Village while simultaneously improving educational infrastructure in rural areas.
“The government is committed to ensuring that every Vibrant Village receives better roads, communication facilities, and educational opportunities so that people living in border regions can fully participate in the growth journey of the country,” he said.
According to officials, infrastructure development under the programme is being carried out in four thematic areas including all-weather road connectivity, telecom services, television access, and electrification.
Authorities believe that improved connectivity will help border villages overcome decades-old challenges related to transportation, communication, and access to essential services.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the administration is adopting a “Whole of Government Approach” to ensure effective implementation of the programme and faster development in border regions.
He directed officials to work with dedication and coordinate across departments to achieve the targets set under the Vibrant Village initiative.
“The aim is to connect villages like Trehgam with the national mainstream by ensuring equal development opportunities and better public infrastructure,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that the administration is looking beyond conventional government schemes to create sustainable opportunities for the youth of border villages.
He said Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds are being utilized for the development of sports infrastructure, including stadiums and playgrounds across the region.
Officials said the sports facilities are expected to provide constructive engagement for youth while also promoting fitness, talent development, and social participation in rural areas.
Local residents welcomed the government’s initiatives and said better infrastructure, connectivity, and employment opportunities are gradually improving the quality of life in border villages.
Experts believe that the Vibrant Village Phase-2 programme can play a crucial role in strengthening rural economies, reducing migration, and encouraging entrepreneurship in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
With increased focus on livelihoods, tourism, digital connectivity, education, and sports infrastructure, border villages like Trehgam are expected to witness significant socio-economic transformation in the coming years.
