New Delhi, Sep 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that the Aspirational Districts Programme, which has brought about transformation in 112 districts, will serve as the foundation for uplifting aspirational blocks. He pledged to return next year for a review of the program’s success.
Speaking at an event to launch ‘Sankalp Saptaah,’ which is linked to the implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme, Modi highlighted the significant impact of the Aspirational Districts Programme, stating that it has improved the lives of over 25 crore people in 112 districts. These once aspirational districts have now become “inspirational districts,” according to the Prime Minister.
“The Aspirational Districts Programme has transformed the lives of over 25 crore people in 112 districts across the country, leading to an enhancement in their quality of life,” Modi emphasized. “In a similar vein, over the next year, out of the 500 aspirational blocks, at least 100 will evolve into inspirational blocks,” he added, while urging officials from various ministries to select 100 blocks and elevate them above the national average on various parameters.
Modi expressed his confidence in a 2024 evaluation of the program’s success, stating, “I am sure, in 2024, we will meet again in October-November…and assess the success (of the program). I will speak with you again next year in October-November.” He addressed a diverse audience at the event, including government officials, representatives from approximately 3,000 panchayats and blocks, and functionaries from across the nation. Around two lakh individuals, including block- and panchayat-level functionaries, farmers, and local residents, were said to have virtually participated in the event.
During the event held at Bharat Mandapam, Modi highlighted the significance of optimal resource utilization, convergence, and public participation in grassroots-level development. He stressed that good governance is contingent upon the efficient use of resources and called for equitable resource distribution, along with fostering citizen participation in achieving goals.
The Prime Minister interacted with representatives from three aspirational districts: Baheri (Uttar Pradesh), Mankote (Jammu and Kashmir), and Resubelpara (Meghalaya).
The nationwide Aspirational Blocks Programme was launched by the Prime Minister on January 7. It aims to enhance governance and public service delivery at the block level, ultimately improving the quality of life for citizens. The program is being implemented in 500 blocks across 329 districts throughout the country.
Each day of ‘Sankalp Saptaah,’ from October 3 to October 9, focuses on a specific development theme on which all aspirational blocks will work. The themes for the first six days include ‘Sampoorna Swasthya’ (Complete Health), ‘Suposhit Pariwaar’ (Nutritionally Rich Families), ‘Swachhta’ (Cleanliness), ‘Krishi’ (Agriculture), ‘Shiksha’ (Education), and ‘Samridhi Diwas’ (Prosperity Day), according to an official statement. The final day, October 9, will commemorate the achievements of the entire week as ‘Sankalp Saptaah Samavesh Samaroh’ (Sankalp Saptaah Inclusive Ceremony).
