Jammu, Aug 20(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday described border villages as the "first villages" of the country and said development of these areas was crucial for both national security and the prosperity of their residents.
Sinha made the remarks during his visit to Karol Krishna, a border village in Kathua district covered under the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-2).
"I always believe that this land is not India's last village but it is India's first village and the gateway where our nation begins," Sinha said while addressing residents of six strategic villages under the programme.
He said border villages had moved from the margins to the centre of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with roads, electricity, telecommunications and education reaching households.
"Border villages are the frontline of India's identity," he said, adding that poverty had declined, migration had reduced, rural incomes had increased and employment opportunities had expanded.
Sinha said 216 border villages in Kathua district had been connected by roads and fully electrified, while telecommunications and television access had also reached households.
He said more than 2,000 individual and community bunkers had been constructed for the safety of border residents.
"Our goal should be that the entire population moves above the poverty line," the LG said.
Highlighting the role of women in strengthening the local economy, Sinha said more than 1,300 self-help groups had been formed under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, benefiting over 12,000 families.
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He said the Vibrant Villages Programme was not merely about infrastructure but also about dignity, opportunity and security.
The LG outlined four priorities for border villages -- making them self-reliant by connecting them to markets, empowering youth through employment opportunities, strengthening healthcare and telemedicine facilities, and improving security infrastructure.
"Development and security are not separate goals but they are two pillars of the same goal. Only a secure village can become a prosperous village, and only prosperous villages can build a self-reliant and developed India," he said.
During the visit, Sinha handed over benefits under various government schemes to local families and appointment letters to youth.
He also visited the Karol Krishna Border Out Post and interacted with BSF personnel, commending their service in securing the country's borders and their role during Operation Sindoor.
Sinha stressed the need for continued vigilance to thwart hostile attempts along the border.
The six villages of Kathua covered under VVP-2 are Karol Krishna, Rathua, Gujjar Chak, Gajnal, Bobiya and Kadiyala.
MLA Hiranagar Vijay Kumar and senior civil, police and BSF officials were present during the visit.(KNS).