Patna: For decades, villages lining Bihar’s border with Nepal existed on the country’s geographical edge — remote, underdeveloped and often seen merely through the lens of security concerns. Now, under the Centre’s newly approved Vibrant Village Programme-II, these settlements are being reimagined as the nation’s “first villages” rather than its last.The ambitious programme, cleared in April, aims to improve infrastructure, create livelihoods, boost tourism and strengthen security across strategically important border regions.Spread across seven districts of Bihar, the selected villages include 286 settlements in Madhubani alone — the highest under the scheme. Officials said the broader objective is to reduce migration, improve basic facilities and integrate border populations more closely with mainstream development while reinforcing their role in national security.Madhubani DM Anand Sharma said the program was built around three central ideas — recognizing border settlements as the country’s first villages, creating pride among residents and strengthening their role as the “eyes and ears” of the nation.He said the initiative was also intended to deepen the sense of nationalism among people living along the frontier.In Madhubani, the administration is attempting to blend development with culture. Sharma said the district had developed the concept of “Bharat Mata Sarovar”, under which ponds and water bodies would be developed to support tourism and create economic opportunities for local artisans.The district is also planning libraries in selected villages and identifying grounds for Agniveer training programs aimed at promoting discipline, physical fitness and greater participation of local youth in national service.Officials said livelihood generation remained a key focus of the programme. In a unique initiative, villages have been linked with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), enabling the force to procure milk, ghee and ration supplies directly from local farmers.The SSB will also be included as a special member in gram panchayats to improve coordination between villagers and security agencies.In East Champaran, 12 villages across six blocks near the Nepal border have been identified under the scheme. District magistrate Saurabh Jorwal said the names had already been sent to the Center for final approval.“Once cleared, 10 schemes are expected to be implemented in each village through a central agency,” said Saurabh.West Champaran, where much of the border passes through forested and hilly terrain, has identified 31 villages across five blocks. Officials said development plans would focus on roads, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education, tourism, telecommunications and skill development according to local needs.A guest house has also been proposed in Gonauli within the Valmiki Tiger Reserve area to encourage tourism.Officials said the program was designed not merely to develop border villages economically, but to transform them into active stakeholders in building a secure and self-reliant India.(With inputs from Dilip Kumar in Bettiah and CB Pandey in Motihari)
