Page 40 - NIS English 01-15 March,2023

CABINET DECISIONS

2 LAKH COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES TO BE FORMED, VIBRANT

VILLAGE PROGRAM FOR BORDER VILLAGES APPROVED

The security of the village and the country has always been one of the central government's top
priorities. The government has already taken several steps to ensure the village's and the country's
security. In taking steps forward in this direction, the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi took some important decisions related to the overall development of the village and the
national security. While the cabinet approved the "Vibrant Village Program" until 2025-2026, as well
as the formation of seven new ITBP battalions, some other significant decisions were also approved.

DECISION: The Union Cabinet approved the setting up Rs 4800 crore, Rs 2500 crore will be used for roads. The
of new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to first phase of this programme will cover 663 villages.
strengthen the cooperative movement in the country
and widen its reach to the grassroots level. DECISION: The government approved the construction
IMPACT: The initial target is to set up 2 lakh of the Shinku La Tunnel, which will connect Ladakh to
multipurpose PACS/dairy/fisheries cooperative the rest of the country in all weather conditions.
societies in the next 5 years. With the establishment IMPACT: The tunnel will be 4.1 kilometres long.
of these committees, employment opportunities will Its construction is scheduled to be completed in
be created in rural areas. Primary cooperatives that December 2025. This will cost Rs 1681.51 crore. With
cannot be revived will be identified for closure, and the completion of this project, Ladakh will have all-
new primary cooperatives will be set up in their area weather connectivity to the rest of the country via the
of operation. Sanskar Valley.

DECISION: The Union Cabinet approved the centrally DECISION: In January 2020, after the establishment
funded "Vibrant Village Programme" for the fiscal of 47 new border outposts and 12 staging camps
years 2022-23 to 2025-26. The scheme's financial for the ITBP was approved, additional force will be
allocation is Rs 4,800 crore. required to meet the same, for which the cabinet
IMPACT: This will lead to infrastructure development has given permission for the creation of seven new
and livelihood opportunities in 4 states and 1 union battalions.
territory along the northern land border. Also, there IMPACT: An additional sector headquarters will
will be an inclusive development of the villages on the be established for the new battalion. A total of
northern border and the quality of life of the people will 9,400 posts will be created for battalion and sector
improve. This decision will prevent migration along headquarters, and their establishment will be
with better security. Out of the financial allocation of completed by 2025–26.

38 New India Samachar March 1-15, 2023