Army initiative to economically strengthen border villages on Indo-China border
Army initiative to economically strengthen border villages on Indo-China border
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, Sept 1
Panchshul brigade of the Indian army has initiated a programme to strengthen the economic condition of border villages in Vyans valley at Indo-China border, by providing dairy based employment to villagers of Gunji, Napalchu, Rongkong and Nabhi villages,under its operation ‘Sadbhavna’.
The programme was initiated Panchshul brigade by holding a meeting with the sarpanches of all the four villages at Gunji village, today.
“Under the scheme, Army plans to provide milch cattles to the villagers under 90 percent interest subsidy and will purchase all milk produced by villagers. We will also initiate to install a milk processing plant at Gunji to process all the milk purchased from villagers if the plan gets approval,”said an army sources
“We are aiming to provide employment to villagers round the year to minimise their winter migration,” added the Army sources.
Gunji is a vibrant village, under vibrant village scheme of Government of India.
“It will also strengthen bond between villagers and army at the border,” claimed the army officer from Panchshul brigade.
Gunji, the center of Vyans valley villagers at Indo-China border, is included in vibrant village programme of Government of India, that has been launched on February 14, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
To stop migration from villages of northern border, the scheme aims at development of essential infrastructure and growth centers at northern border villages spread in 19 districts and 46 blocks of 4 northern states and 1 union territory to create livelihood opportunities by promotion of tourism and sustainable eco agri businesses.
“The initiative by army is welcomed by villagers as it will provide livelihood opportunities to villagers and their future generations,” said Laxmi Gunjiyal, sarpanch of Gunji village.
Besides Sarpanchs from all four villages, the officers from cooperative,dairy management and district livestock office were present in the meeting.
