Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in February 2023 (with formal launch events in April 2023) to develop infrastructure and improve livelihoods in selected border villages along India's northern border.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the geographical coverage of the Vibrant Villages Programme:
The program targets border villages adjacent to the northern border of India to prevent migration and support local development.
The scheme specifically covers the border areas of four northern states and one Union Territory:
- Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim (Statement A is represented).
- Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (Statement D is represented).
- The Union Territory of Ladakh (Statement C mentions both Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, but the program does not include the UT of Jammu & Kashmir, as it is focused specifically on the border villages along the Line of Actual Control and northern borders).
- Haryana and Punjab do not share international borders along the specified northern border region, and they are not included in the program (Statement B is incorrect).
Evaluating the options shows that Statements (A), (C), and (D) are represented under the program (considering the inclusion of the UT of Ladakh), while Statement (B) is completely excluded.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The represented states/UTs are (A), (C), and (D) only.
This corresponds to Option (D).