News & Announcement
State Level Workshop Reviews Planning for Vibrant Villages Programme II in Sikkim
Gangtok, February 9 (IPR): The State Level Workshop on Vibrant Villages Programme II was held today at the Conference Hall, Tashiling Secretariat.
The workshop was organised by the Planning and Development Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Mr R Telang, in the presence of Deputy Commandant, Government of India Vibrant Villages Programme II, Mr Pradeep Kumar Pandey. Heads of Departments, Secretaries, District Collectors, State Nodal Officers for the programme, and representatives of SSB, ITBP, Black Cat Division, 17th Mountain Division and other officials participated in the meeting.
In his address, Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Mr R Telang, stated that the implementation framework under the programme must be designed efficiently to ensure systematic processes and smooth coordination across departments and districts. He emphasised that projects should prioritise livelihood generation as a core objective and noted that the programme aims to strengthen basic amenities, infrastructure, economic activities and living conditions in border villages. He stated that projects must deliver measurable outcomes proportionate to funds allocated and observed that focused initiatives at Dok La and Cho La would provide impetus to programme implementation in the State. Stressing coordination, he directed District Collectors to take the lead role with line departments.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of India for launching the programme and stated that it has provided a valuable platform for supporting development and livelihood initiatives. He also thanked Deputy Commandant, Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Pradeep Kumar Pandey, for his presence.
Earlier, Commissioner cum Secretary, Planning and Development Department, Mr M T Sherpa, delivered the welcome address and briefed participants on the programme, stating that it aims to improve living conditions, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in border villages. He informed that twelve villages in Sikkim have been identified under the second phase. Referring to the first phase, he stated that forty projects were sanctioned in the State, with thirty-eight implemented in Mangan district and two in Gangtok district. He added that the workshop was organised to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and discuss planning and implementation issues.
A video report on the implementation of the first phase was screened by the Planning and Development Department.
Deputy Commandant, Government of India Vibrant Villages Programme II, Mr Pradeep Kumar Pandey, presented the objectives of the programme. He informed that it is a fully funded Central Sector Scheme forming part of the national vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047. He stated that the programme aims to strengthen land border areas by improving the quality of life, discouraging out migration and generating sustainable livelihoods through cooperatives, Self Help Groups and tourism linked activities. He added that it seeks to integrate border communities as stakeholders in national security and ensure saturation of eligible welfare schemes. Implementation will be driven through Village Action Plans prepared by district administrations in coordination with Gram Panchayats and supported by the PM Gati Shakti platform for convergence and avoidance of duplication.
During the technical session, Senior Technical Director, National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Deepak Kumar, provided virtual training on implementation processes and digital platforms, including preparation and submission of Village Action Plans, real time geo tagged monitoring and inter departmental convergence for transparency.
In the course of the workshop, a presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme I was made by District Collector, Gangtok district, Mr Tushar G Nikhare. He informed that the programme covers Changu, Gnathang and Thegu villages. Projects sanctioned include the creation of an Eco Park under eco tourism at Gnathang Forest Block and the construction of a community hall at Gnathang ward. He further informed that projects under consideration include a high altitude rhododendron conservatory and restoration of an old British guesthouse at Gnathang. Other proposed projects include the development of ski and adventure tourism facilities, the construction of a war memorial and the establishment of a high altitude sports training centre. Recently proposed projects include an ice hockey rink near Gnathang Lake, improvement of water supply systems, development of sewerage systems at Gnathang and Dok La, and tourist infrastructure at the Dok La border. Highlighting programme impact, he stated that the programme has resulted in regular visits by senior officials and implementation of activities such as Swachhata Pakhwada, awareness camps and Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan.
Later, a virtual presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme I was made by District Collector, Mangan district, Mr Anant Jain. He informed that forty two villages across four blocks have been identified, with thirty-eight projects sanctioned to date. He stated that livelihood generation projects are being prioritised, including a Netle fern fabric processing plant at Dzongu, a handicraft centre at Lachung and the revival of apple orchards at Lachung. He added that sports infrastructure projects have been proposed and trekking circuit planning is being undertaken to integrate eco trails with supporting infrastructure.
As part of the district presentations, a presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme II was made by District Collector, Pakyong district, Mr Rohan Agawane. He informed that five villages namely Phadamchen, Lingtam, Premlakha, Singaneybas and Aritar, have been identified under the programme. He stated that village-specific proposals and existing assets have been mapped to support livelihood generation and tourism. In Premlakha, a proposal has been identified for a food processing unit based on cardamom cultivation, while the hanging bridge at Ghatta Khola was highlighted as a tourist attraction. In Phadamchen, Que Khola Falls was identified as a tourism site along with proposals for revival of the old Silk Route and creation of trekking amenities. He further informed that the Buddhist monastery at Lingtam, the sunrise and sunset ridge and the existing cable ropeway at Singaneybas, and the Dak Bungalow, Aritar Monastery and British graveyard at Aritar were highlighted as existing cultural, historical and religious assets.
This was followed by a presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme II by Additional District Collector, Gyalshing district, Mr Suresh Rai. He informed that a saturation based approach is being followed through convergence with existing central schemes and that Village Action Plans are under preparation for the five identified villages. He outlined village wise focus areas covering road connectivity, solar street lighting, market access, irrigation, cold storage, telemedicine, school infrastructure, women-led Self Help Groups, border connectivity and logistics based livelihoods. He also informed that focused development is being planned around the Chewabanjyang Border Outpost along the Indo-Nepal border, supported by digital monitoring tools.
Later in the session, a presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme II was made by District Collector, Soreng district, Mr Dhiraj Subedi. He informed that Ribdi and Bhareng villages have been identified, with sector-wise planning undertaken through a saturation-based approach. He stated that proposals include agriculture and horticulture based livelihoods, storage and supply chain infrastructure, solar and wind energy solutions, upgradation of mobile and digital connectivity and establishment of banking facilities, as the nearest bank branch and ATM are located around 30 kilometres away.
Towards the end of the workshop, a presentation on the role of the Sashastra Seema Bal under Vibrant Villages Programme II was made by Second in Command, SSB Sector Headquarters, Gangtok, Mr Sunil Kumar. He informed that the SSB provides security coverage in border areas and undertakes regular community interaction. He stated that Medical Civic Action, Veterinary Civic Action and awareness programmes are conducted in coordination with district administrations. He further informed that the 69 Battalion, SSB, has undertaken activities in Pakyong district while the 36 Battalion, SSB, Geyzing, has carried out similar activities in Soreng district during 2025 to 26, including solar lighting, sports activities, medical camps and livelihood support initiatives.
This was followed by an interactive session providing participants with an opportunity to seek clarifications and exchange views on programme implementation.
The workshop concluded with votes of thanks proposed by the Under Secretary, Planning and Development Department, Government of Sikkim, Ms Simran Singh.
The workshop was organised by the Planning and Development Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Mr R Telang, in the presence of Deputy Commandant, Government of India Vibrant Villages Programme II, Mr Pradeep Kumar Pandey. Heads of Departments, Secretaries, District Collectors, State Nodal Officers for the programme, and representatives of SSB, ITBP, Black Cat Division, 17th Mountain Division and other officials participated in the meeting.
In his address, Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Mr R Telang, stated that the implementation framework under the programme must be designed efficiently to ensure systematic processes and smooth coordination across departments and districts. He emphasised that projects should prioritise livelihood generation as a core objective and noted that the programme aims to strengthen basic amenities, infrastructure, economic activities and living conditions in border villages. He stated that projects must deliver measurable outcomes proportionate to funds allocated and observed that focused initiatives at Dok La and Cho La would provide impetus to programme implementation in the State. Stressing coordination, he directed District Collectors to take the lead role with line departments.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of India for launching the programme and stated that it has provided a valuable platform for supporting development and livelihood initiatives. He also thanked Deputy Commandant, Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Pradeep Kumar Pandey, for his presence.
Earlier, Commissioner cum Secretary, Planning and Development Department, Mr M T Sherpa, delivered the welcome address and briefed participants on the programme, stating that it aims to improve living conditions, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in border villages. He informed that twelve villages in Sikkim have been identified under the second phase. Referring to the first phase, he stated that forty projects were sanctioned in the State, with thirty-eight implemented in Mangan district and two in Gangtok district. He added that the workshop was organised to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and discuss planning and implementation issues.
A video report on the implementation of the first phase was screened by the Planning and Development Department.
Deputy Commandant, Government of India Vibrant Villages Programme II, Mr Pradeep Kumar Pandey, presented the objectives of the programme. He informed that it is a fully funded Central Sector Scheme forming part of the national vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047. He stated that the programme aims to strengthen land border areas by improving the quality of life, discouraging out migration and generating sustainable livelihoods through cooperatives, Self Help Groups and tourism linked activities. He added that it seeks to integrate border communities as stakeholders in national security and ensure saturation of eligible welfare schemes. Implementation will be driven through Village Action Plans prepared by district administrations in coordination with Gram Panchayats and supported by the PM Gati Shakti platform for convergence and avoidance of duplication.
During the technical session, Senior Technical Director, National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Deepak Kumar, provided virtual training on implementation processes and digital platforms, including preparation and submission of Village Action Plans, real time geo tagged monitoring and inter departmental convergence for transparency.
In the course of the workshop, a presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme I was made by District Collector, Gangtok district, Mr Tushar G Nikhare. He informed that the programme covers Changu, Gnathang and Thegu villages. Projects sanctioned include the creation of an Eco Park under eco tourism at Gnathang Forest Block and the construction of a community hall at Gnathang ward. He further informed that projects under consideration include a high altitude rhododendron conservatory and restoration of an old British guesthouse at Gnathang. Other proposed projects include the development of ski and adventure tourism facilities, the construction of a war memorial and the establishment of a high altitude sports training centre. Recently proposed projects include an ice hockey rink near Gnathang Lake, improvement of water supply systems, development of sewerage systems at Gnathang and Dok La, and tourist infrastructure at the Dok La border. Highlighting programme impact, he stated that the programme has resulted in regular visits by senior officials and implementation of activities such as Swachhata Pakhwada, awareness camps and Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan.
Later, a virtual presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme I was made by District Collector, Mangan district, Mr Anant Jain. He informed that forty two villages across four blocks have been identified, with thirty-eight projects sanctioned to date. He stated that livelihood generation projects are being prioritised, including a Netle fern fabric processing plant at Dzongu, a handicraft centre at Lachung and the revival of apple orchards at Lachung. He added that sports infrastructure projects have been proposed and trekking circuit planning is being undertaken to integrate eco trails with supporting infrastructure.
As part of the district presentations, a presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme II was made by District Collector, Pakyong district, Mr Rohan Agawane. He informed that five villages namely Phadamchen, Lingtam, Premlakha, Singaneybas and Aritar, have been identified under the programme. He stated that village-specific proposals and existing assets have been mapped to support livelihood generation and tourism. In Premlakha, a proposal has been identified for a food processing unit based on cardamom cultivation, while the hanging bridge at Ghatta Khola was highlighted as a tourist attraction. In Phadamchen, Que Khola Falls was identified as a tourism site along with proposals for revival of the old Silk Route and creation of trekking amenities. He further informed that the Buddhist monastery at Lingtam, the sunrise and sunset ridge and the existing cable ropeway at Singaneybas, and the Dak Bungalow, Aritar Monastery and British graveyard at Aritar were highlighted as existing cultural, historical and religious assets.
This was followed by a presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme II by Additional District Collector, Gyalshing district, Mr Suresh Rai. He informed that a saturation based approach is being followed through convergence with existing central schemes and that Village Action Plans are under preparation for the five identified villages. He outlined village wise focus areas covering road connectivity, solar street lighting, market access, irrigation, cold storage, telemedicine, school infrastructure, women-led Self Help Groups, border connectivity and logistics based livelihoods. He also informed that focused development is being planned around the Chewabanjyang Border Outpost along the Indo-Nepal border, supported by digital monitoring tools.
Later in the session, a presentation on the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme II was made by District Collector, Soreng district, Mr Dhiraj Subedi. He informed that Ribdi and Bhareng villages have been identified, with sector-wise planning undertaken through a saturation-based approach. He stated that proposals include agriculture and horticulture based livelihoods, storage and supply chain infrastructure, solar and wind energy solutions, upgradation of mobile and digital connectivity and establishment of banking facilities, as the nearest bank branch and ATM are located around 30 kilometres away.
Towards the end of the workshop, a presentation on the role of the Sashastra Seema Bal under Vibrant Villages Programme II was made by Second in Command, SSB Sector Headquarters, Gangtok, Mr Sunil Kumar. He informed that the SSB provides security coverage in border areas and undertakes regular community interaction. He stated that Medical Civic Action, Veterinary Civic Action and awareness programmes are conducted in coordination with district administrations. He further informed that the 69 Battalion, SSB, has undertaken activities in Pakyong district while the 36 Battalion, SSB, Geyzing, has carried out similar activities in Soreng district during 2025 to 26, including solar lighting, sports activities, medical camps and livelihood support initiatives.
This was followed by an interactive session providing participants with an opportunity to seek clarifications and exchange views on programme implementation.
The workshop concluded with votes of thanks proposed by the Under Secretary, Planning and Development Department, Government of Sikkim, Ms Simran Singh.
