Samba, May 6, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the border village of Regal in Samba district and formally advanced the Vibrant Villages Programme by laying the foundation stones for several key infrastructure projects. He described Regal as Samba district’s first Vibrant Border Village and redefined border villages as the “First Villages of India.”
Addressing a public gathering, LG Sinha emphasized that border villages, once considered the “last villages,” are now being prioritized as the backbone of the nation under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming these areas into centers of growth, opportunity, and self-reliance.
Projects Inaugurated / Foundation Laid in Regal
- Digital Library at Government Primary School Regal
- Community Hall-cum-Recreation Centre
- Amrit Sarovar with drainage channel
- Open Gyms
- Solar Street Lights
These projects aim to boost education, community life, environment, health, and basic amenities in the border area.
Focus on Connectivity and Livelihoods
LG Sinha stated that the Vibrant Villages Programme focuses on comprehensive development through convergence of schemes, with special emphasis on all-weather road connectivity, telecom and television access, electrification, and livelihood opportunities. He directed officials to ensure every household in border villages gets access to electricity, mobile connectivity, and sustainable income sources, with a goal of zero poverty in these areas by 2030.
The LG also appreciated the villagers for achieving TB-free status and praised the security forces for their vigilance along the border.
Activities in Ghagwal
During the same visit to Samba district, LG Manoj Sinha also reached Ghagwal, where he inaugurated the Shri Narsingh Dev Sanskrit Gurukul at the ancient Shri Narsingh Dev Temple. He described Ghagwal as a historically vibrant centre of learning where Vedic teachings and the Guru-Shishya tradition once flourished.
The LG called the Gurukul a significant step toward cultural renaissance and the integration of Vedic wisdom with modern education. He emphasized that institutions like this will nurture ethical, courageous minds rooted in India’s civilizational values. Additional facilities such as Nakshatra Udyan (Garden) and a Yoga Centre were also inaugurated, further strengthening Ghagwal’s role as a hub of cultural and educational revival.
Broader Vision
“Border villages are our first line of strength. Our glorious history was forged in the arduous paths of these villages,” Sinha remarked, urging greater integration of border communities into the national mainstream.
The event marks a significant step in the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme in Jammu and Kashmir, covering both infrastructure push in border areas like Regal and cultural-educational initiatives in places like Ghagwal. This holistic approach is expected to bring all-round development to Samba district and other parts of J&K.
