Vibrant Villages Programme

Border villages are of utmost significance to a country for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, they serve as the first line of intelligence against any external threat, as exemplified by the Kargil war of 1999, when the local shepherds alerted the authorities about the infiltration of enemy forces. In Arunachal Pradesh, the indigenous populace residing in the border areas has time and again reported construction activities carried out by China's People Liberation Army (PLA) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), prompting the authorities for swift vigil. Thus, the locals play a pivotal role in providing valuable intelligence to the security forces and help in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation.

The KRC's findings indicated that safeguarding border security would require measures beyond traditional security approaches, such as improving border infrastructure. Consequently, various initiatives, such as creating the Department of Border Management (2004), the Land Ports Authority of India (2012), and constructing Integrated Check Posts along the border to facilitate cross border movement of trade and passengers were implemented.

Similarly, India's relationship with China has been strained, chiefly because of border disputes in the Himalayan region.Nevertheless, India and China also continue to be major trade partners. Despite frosty bilateral relations, the trade between the two countries is at an all time high. The Nathu La in Sikkim and Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand serve as key border crossing for road transport of goods between the two countries. Hence, the imperative to bolster village settlements derives from an array of considerations that extend far beyond the immediate tactical exigencies of territorial security. Rather, it encompasses a range of multifaceted dimensions that include economic, cultural, and social factors, all of which are integral to the holistic development of the nation.

Enhanced surveillance: Populating border villages and enhancing border infrastructure will enhance the surveillance capabilities of the Indian Army. By populating border villages, the Indian Army can garner intelligence about the enemy's troop and weaponry movements. Moreover, it would facilitate the establishment of a closer relationship between the Indian Army and local communities, ensuring cooperation in the event of an attack. Also, supporting infrastructure could be used to deploy advanced surveillance technologies such as radars, drones, and satellites to monitor the enemy's activities. This would enable the timely detection of any suspicious movements and prompt action.

There have been heightened tensions along the LAC since May 2020, when China deployed a large number of troops and heavy equipment to change the status quo in eastern Ladakh. While the disputes that ensued after the May 2020 border skirmishes are still to be resolved, in January 2021, China adopted a new border law. Under the provisions of this law, China has been developing towns along its borders and increasing the involvement of local residents in surveillance efforts in the regions surrounding India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Conclusion

The programmme will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage people to stay in their native locations thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to security of the border. Thus, Integrating Border Regions in the Developmental Framework of India.