Cachar (Assam), 20 February (HS): Union Home minister Amit Shah launch the Vibrant Village Programme-II at Nathunpur along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Cachar district as a historic moment for the region on Friday. Home Minister Shah accompanied by Assam CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, who accorded a new identity to border villages as the “first villages of the nation.”

Accompanying the Union Home Minister, the Chief Minister visited 20 self-help group stalls and interacted with women entrepreneurs showcasing locally produced handicrafts, textiles and other items under the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission. He said the initiative reflects the growing spirit of self-reliance among women in the Barak Valley and strengthens rural livelihoods.

Under Vibrant Village Programme-II, as many as 140 villages across nine districts of Assam, including 11 villages in Cachar, will be developed with world-class infrastructure, improved road connectivity and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The scheme aims to ensure round-the-clock electricity, better transport networks and strong telecom connectivity to economically empower border areas while reinforcing national security.

Dr Sarma said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam has transitioned from neglect to empowerment, with border regions now emerging as growth centres aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister welcomed the Union Home Minister with traditional symbols of the Barak Valley, including an Uttariya, a Rongmei Naga handwoven shawl and a traditional Meitei mat, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash