Administrator
13 July 2025
In a historic first, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, visited Sohbar - a scenic and strategically located border village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district - underscoring the Central Government’s focus on border area development under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP).
Addressing a gathering that included local residents, school and college students, and officials, the Union Minister emphasized that border villages like Sohbar are not the last, but the first point of contact for those entering India. “It is an honour to be in Sohbar today. I chose this location because the Prime Minister believes that border villages are not the end of India, but its beginning. These are the eyes and ears of our nation, and they deserve priority development,” she said.
Smt Sitharaman noted that the second edition of the Vibrant Villages Programme is now expanding its reach to the eastern border regions, including Meghalaya. She outlined four key development themes for VVP in Sohbar - Road infrastructure, Connectivity (telecom and digital), Television coverage and Electricity access.
The Minister assured that all basic and essential services, including access to banking and financial institutions within a 5 km radius, education, and primary health care (PHC), will be ensured under the programme. “I have spoken with the District Collector. With more than 1,600 people living here, the VVP will ensure that every family is covered. No one will be left behind,” she affirmed.
Recognizing the tourism potential of Sohbar, which is bordered by a beautiful river and surrounded by lush landscapes, the Minister congratulated the Government of Meghalaya for planning a tourism hub with externally aided assistance (EAP), including support from the New Development Bank (NDB). “Tourism infrastructure will bring in visitors and generate income, making your local economy more vibrant,” she said.
She also interacted with the youth and appreciated the presence of many girl students in the audience. She emphasized the importance of digital access, educational growth, and artisan support, stating that border youth should have the opportunity to thrive locally. “Your village should offer opportunities, not compel you to migrate. With digital tools and global exposure, even artisans from Sohbar can attract buyers from across the world,” she noted.
In her concluding remarks, the Minister expressed disbelief that no Union Minister had visited Sohbar before. “It is unbelievable that I am the first Union Minister to visit this beautiful village. But now, the doors are open. This is a rain sanctuary, a vibrant community, and it’s worth every moment I spent here. I urge residents to stay connected with the government and help us understand your needs better,” she said.
The visit marks a significant moment in the Centre’s ongoing effort to transform India’s border villages into engines of development, ensuring saturation-level implementation of all Central schemes and creating vibrant, self-reliant communities.
