Agartala, August 26, 2025: Tripura’s Secretary Brijesh Pandey presented the state’s action plan under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Phase-II during the inaugural session of a two-day national workshop held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs on August 25-26, aimed at capacity-building of State Nodal Officers to strengthen India’s border villages with improved infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and connectivity.

The workshop was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who highlighted the government’s renewed push to transform border communities. Tripura’s participation was marked by the presence of Additional District Magistrates (ADMs) from Khowai and North Tripura, who shared local perspectives on development challenges and opportunities.

Under the initiative, nine Gram Panchayats in Khowai district have been identified for development. In North Tripura, projects like Tea Garden Tourism in Kadamtala and Adventure Sports in Khantalang, Dasda have been highlighted as part of the state’s innovative plan to promote sustainable livelihoods and attract tourism.

Originally focused on villages along the borders with China and Pakistan, the VVP has now entered its second phase with expanded attention to Bangladesh-bordering states like Tripura, aiming to foster cultural integration, enhance connectivity, and boost rural economies.

“Tripura’s action plan reflects our commitment to not only strengthen border infrastructure but also to empower communities through innovative livelihood and tourism-based projects,” Secretary Brijesh Pandey said while presenting the state’s strategy.

The programme is expected to bring fresh momentum to rural development along the international borders, offering new avenues of growth and engagement for remote communities.