Union Minister in Leh to review Viksit Vibrant Village programme

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Khadse, arrived in Leh today on an official visit to Ladakh in connection with the Viksit Vibrant Villages Programme (VVVP) being implemented by MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

On her arrival at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh, the Minister was accorded a warm and traditional Ladakhi welcome. She was received by State Director, MY Bharat Ladakh, Ms. Tajamul Ara, along with officials of MY Bharat and other dignitaries. As a mark of Ladakhi hospitality, the Minister was presented with the traditional Khata and welcomed in the customary manner.

The visit forms part of the ongoing Viksit Vibrant Villages Programme, which seeks to strengthen youth participation in nation-building, promote cultural exchange, and foster sustainable development in India’s border villages. Under the programme, youth volunteers from different parts of the country are visiting vibrant villages of Ladakh to engage with local communities, experience their rich cultural heritage, and contribute to various community-oriented activities.

During her stay in Ladakh, Khadse will review the progress of programme activities and interact with participants of the Viksit Vibrant Villages Programme, members of MY Bharat Youth Clubs, and local youth. She is also scheduled to visit Hemya Village on 12 June 2026, where she will interact with local residents, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, women, and youth to understand their aspirations and discuss developmental initiatives being undertaken in the region.

As part of her visit, the Minister will also interact with personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and acknowledge their invaluable contribution towards safeguarding the nation’s borders and supporting local communities in remote areas.

The Viksit Vibrant Villages Programme is being organized across several border villages of Ladakh, including Hemya, Chumathang, Hanle, Korzok, Chumur, Kuyul and Nyoma, with activities such as yoga sessions, cleanliness drives, community interactions, cultural exchanges, awareness programmes and youth engagement initiatives.

The visit of the Minister is expected to further strengthen youth participation in nation-building and reaffirm the Government of India’s commitment to the holistic development of border villages under the vision of a Viksit Bharat.