During Kargil Vijay Diwas, Governor KT Parnaik said that border villages are the nation’s first line of strength, and stressed their importance for national security. He called for better infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood opportunities in border regions.

Border areas remain in a state of neglect, even though they are highly militarised and form the backbone of India’s defence.

Even today, most villages are bereft of basic facilities such as healthcare and education, leading to mass migration from these areas to urban centres. The depopulation of border regions has created a crisis, as limited urban centres are being stretched beyond capacity while the borders are becoming deserted.

Although several policies, including the Vibrant Villages Programme, have been announced, it remains to be seen when reverse migration to these border areas will become a reality.

It is not entirely impossible to see a change in pattern if basic facilities are available, along with livelihood options. Just establishing villages won’t help the purpose unless they are provided with facilities like education, health, and other facilities.