The Centre has launched 254 4G mobile network towers for boosting connectivity in 336 border areas of Arunachal Pradesh, specifically the Line of Actual Control with China.
The government has already approved the installation of 2,605 4G mobile towers that will cater to 3,721 villages in the State, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said after the launch on April 22.
He said the outmigration of border villagers was a major cause of concern, which made the government start taking care of the basic amenities in these areas.
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said the State government had been on a mission to achieve all-inclusive and equitable development across all regions and tribes.
Villagers living near the LAC are considered the first line of defence and the Centre is trying to prevent their outmigration through the implementation of Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP). Home Minister Amit Shah launched the VVP at Kibithoo, a border village in the State’s Anjaw district recently.
A connectivity and infrastructure development-oriented programme, the VVP is expected to improve the quality of life of people living in villages near the LAC and strengthen border security.
The VVP would be implemented in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand apart from the Union Territory of Ladakh. Altogether, 2,967 villages will be covered under it.
“The Arunachal Pradesh government and the Centre will take care of the well-being and all the basic needs of the border villagers. We will take the banks there, help the people open bank accounts, provide electricity, LPG, drinking water, employment and build toilets. These villages will be connected digitally and physically with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh and the country,” Mr. Shah had said.
