Amit Shah has given a strong and clear message to China from near the border during Arunachal tour

China probably does not know that this is not the India of 1962. The principle of today’s India is that if someone teases, we will not leave, the principle of today’s India is that no one should try to test us. Recently, China showed the audacity to change some names in Arunachal Pradesh, so today for the first time in the history of independent India, the country’s home minister reached very close to the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh and told China clearly. That the time has gone when anyone could encroach on Indian land. Amit Shah clearly said in a loud voice from very close to the border that today no one can capture land equal to the point of a needle. It is expected that China, which is opposing Amit Shah’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, must have listened to the speech of the Home Minister of India and must have tied a knot to what he said. The speech of the Home Minister of India not only supports the firm stand of the Government of India towards the integrity of the country and the security of the borders, but also assures the people of the country that the country is in the right hands. If seen, the border villages were left to their fate during the previous governments. Not only this, the army also had to see on its own how it would reach the deployment areas while battling the challenges. But this is Narendra Modi’s India. Here the discourse has changed. Now the border villages are not the last but the first villages of India. Now the army is not only equipped with weapons, but infrastructural facilities are increased in the areas where they are deployed.

Let us tell you that the Modi government has approved the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ with a central contribution of Rs 4800 crore including Rs 2500 crore specifically for road connectivity in Arunachal. Along with the launch of the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ in Kibitu village along the India-China border, Amit Shah has also inaugurated nine micro hydroelectric projects of the state government built under the ‘Golden Jubilee Border Light Programme’. These power projects will empower people living in border villages. An example of how much the government is trying to increase the facility in the border areas was also revealed during the recent visit of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to Arunachal when he inaugurated a bridge near LAC and gave a boost to India’s defense preparedness. Gave a strong message to China through the address. The bridge built on the Siyom River is strategically important for India as it will be helpful in deploying troops in remote areas of the Line of Actual Control. Apart from this, the Defense Minister also dedicated to the nation 28 infrastructure projects built by the Border Roads Organization in the border areas of the country.

Let us tell you that in the midst of the ongoing tension with China, the Union Cabinet recently approved the formation of seven new battalions and a regional headquarters of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) guarding the Indo-China border. The Modi government has also decided to set up an additional regional headquarters to oversee these battalions. For this, 9400 posts will be created. The government has told that this work will be completed by the year 2025-26. In this, an expenditure of Rs 1808 crore will be incurred on construction of office, residential complex etc. Along with this, about Rs 963 crore will be spent on salary, ration etc. every year.

What is Vibrant Village Program?

It is a centrally sponsored scheme under which 2,967 villages have been identified for comprehensive development in 46 blocks of 19 districts in the northern border states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh. 662 villages including 455 in Arunachal Pradesh have been identified for the first phase.

Let us remind you that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mana, the last village near China border in Uttarakhand in October last year, he had said that the border village should not be called the last village but the first village. Praising the products made in these villages, the Prime Minister has also been urging the tourists to buy locally made products whenever they go for a tour. The Prime Minister has also been calling the people of the villages situated on the border as the watchdogs of the country. Last year, in the meeting of the BJP National Working Committee, he had called upon the people of the party to spend time in the villages situated on the borders. After this, the Union Cabinet approved the “Vibrant Village Program” based entirely on the expenditure of the Central Government for the development of the northern border areas of strategic importance of the country, which will not only strengthen the security of the borders but also make India located on the borders. Before this, the fate of the villages and villagers will also change.

Let us tell you that this step of the government is very important keeping in view the strategic importance of the northern border of the country. This will provide assured livelihood in these border villages, which will help in preventing migration. Along with this, the security of the border areas will also be strengthened. According to the government statement, this program will strengthen livelihood opportunities and infrastructure in 19 districts and 46 border blocks of four states and one union territory. This will ensure inclusive development in the northern border region. This program will provide quality opportunities to the people living here. Apart from this, it will also help in achieving inclusive growth and maintaining population in border areas. In the first phase of this program, 663 villages will be covered.

The objective of this scheme is to identify and develop economic drivers based on local, natural and other resources in border villages of northern border and to empower youth and women through social entrepreneurship promotion, skill development and entrepreneurship. Under the “Vibrant Village Programme”, these areas will be developed to develop growth centers, strengthen tourism potential by promoting local culture, traditional knowledge and heritage and promote “One Village One Product” through community based organizations, cooperatives, NGOs. The concept will focus on the development of sustainable eco-agri business. Vibrant Village Action Plan will be prepared by the District Administration with the help of Gram Panchayats. Along with this, 100 percent completion of central and state schemes will be ensured. Under these, emphasis will be laid on the development of all-weather road, drinking water, 24-hour, solar and wind energy focused power supply, mobile and internet connectivity, tourist centre, multipurpose center and health and wellness centre. It states that it will be separate from the Border Area Development Programme.

However, there is no doubt that India has full capability to thwart the challenges of the opponents on the country’s border. India never promotes war and always wants to maintain cordial relations with its neighbors. We have inherited this culture and rituals from the teachings of Lord Rama and Lord Buddha. But at the same time the Indian Army has the capability to face any challenge on the border and is ready to deal with any situation.

-Neeraj Kumar Dubey