Border Villages are India’s First Line of Defence: Manoj Sinha Targets Holistic Development in Makwal
JAMMU, April 1, 2026 — Highlighting the strategic and patriotic importance of border communities, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the vibrant village of Makwal in Jammu today, describing border residents as the nation’s first line of defence.
Speaking at a public event under Phase-II of the Vibrant Villages Programme, Sinha asserted that a border village is not the last but the “first village of India,” serving as a powerful symbol of courage and patriotism.
He emphasized that the service of these families must be reflected in their quality of life, directing officials to ensure no genuine need goes unnoticed and no family is left out of the developmental net.
During his address, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the perceived distance between border regions and the national capital has shrunk significantly.
He stated that the development of these areas is a “sentiment, a resolve, and a responsibility,” stressing that there should be no gap between government promises and actual delivery on the ground.
Sinha directed the appointment of dedicated Nodal Officers to monitor progress and mandated monthly reports to ensure Makwal and 540 other border villages in the Jammu district receive resources surpassing even those of major cities.
The goal, he noted, is to create model villages where children receive urban-standard education and farmers have access to modern irrigation and reliable markets.To further empower the local economy, the Lieutenant Governor called for a robust push toward youth entrepreneurship and women’s self-help groups to curb migration to cities.
Highlighting progress since 2019, he noted that poverty levels in border blocks have dropped sharply while road, electricity, and telecom connectivity have reached nearly every home. On this occasion, Sinha also initiated several development projects including a Model Anganwadi Centre, a community hall with a library, and a health sub-centre.
He also addressed the implementation of land ownership rights for POJK displaced persons, instructing the divisional administration to ensure timely execution of the 2024 directives.