Over 50 people from China bordering tribal ‘Vibrant Villages’ of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts will join the Republic Day celebration in Delhi followed by interaction visits in various ministries of the Union government.
“We are taking representatives of the local self government (Panchayats) hailing from bordering villages of Kinnaur and Spiti region to participate in the Republic Day celebration in New Delhi. These elected representatives will also visit various Union government Ministries to have interaction with officials, holding discussions on various issues concerning their lives,” said Pawan Kumar Gupta , Second in Command, 43 Battalion ITBP.
This exercise is being carried out for developing the people of China bordering villages economically, educationally, socially and culturally so that they get a feel of involvement in the main process of the country, added Mr Gupta.
This arrangement was made by the 43 Battalion of the ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) under the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ initiated by the Centre Government for the development of tribal regions with a purpose of bringing them in the mainstream populace of the country. The Union government plans to develop 76 villages in Himachal Pradesh along the China border in two districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti. Initially five villages were chosen for the purpose last June by the Union Minister RK Singh.
Many of these local Panchayats public representatives are appreciating these developmental efforts of the union government. “We are very optimistic about this Vibrant Village’ scheme of our government which will have a very positive impact on the hard life of the people of the border region. This will create a good symbiotic relationship between government institutions and the tribal people which is very good for us all,” said Hime Dolma, Vice President Demul Panchayat in Spiti.
The vice President of Batseri Panchayat, Chandrika says, “we are all pleased with this developmental initiative of the ITBP and Centre government taking us to the capital of the country to witness live performances of the republic day celebrations,’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned Rs 4,800 crore in the Union budget for the ‘Vibrant Villages programme’ along the China border. The Centre started the programme on February 17, 2023 with the total outlay of Rs 2,500 crore, being spent on the creation of road infrastructure in the border areas.
