Prime Minister Launches 'Sankalp Saptaah' Program for Aspirational Blocks
- 03 Oct 2023
On 30th September, Prime Minister inaugurated the 'Sankalp Saptaah' program, a unique week-long initiative aimed at Aspirational Blocks in India.
Key Points
- Focus on 5 Parameters: Prime Minister urged delegates to focus on five parameters to increase confidence and make the block a source of inspiration for others.
- Shift to Outcome Orientation: PM discussed the shift from output-oriented governance to outcome-oriented governance and highlighted the importance of resource utilization, convergence, and equitable distribution.
- Promoting Young Officers: The Prime Minister suggested promoting young officers who succeed at the block level to encourage their dedication.
- Future Monitoring: PM assured meticulous monitoring of the program and shared that the progress chart of the Aspirational District program served as his inspiration.
- Development Beyond Metro Cities: The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of development reaching all regions and people, beyond metro cities.
- Role of Gram Panchayat: PM highlighted the critical role of Gram Panchayat in the Aspirational Block and District program.
- Encouraging Young Officers: Prime Minister Modi recommended that state governments encourage young officers who excel at the block level.
- 'Sankalp Saptaah': The 'Sankalp Saptaah' program is linked to the effective implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) launched by Prime Minister Modi.
- It aims to enhance governance at the block level for improving citizens' quality of life.
- Implementation: 'Sankalp Saptaah' is observed in 500 Aspirational Blocks across 329 districts in India.
- Development Themes: Each day of 'Sankalp Saptaah' from October 3 to October 9, 2023, focuses on a specific development theme.
- These themes include health, nutrition, sanitation, agriculture, education, and prosperity.
Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP): Development Initiative for Lagging Areas
- ABP aims to enhance the performance of areas that lag in various development parameters.
- Announced in Union Budget 2022-23.
- Initially covers 500 districts in 31 states and Union Territories.
- Majority of these blocks located in six states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
- ABP builds upon the foundation of the Aspirational District Programme (ADP).
Aspirational District Programme (ADP): Launched in 2018 for Socio-Economic Transformation
- ADP targets districts with poor socio-economic indicators.
- Encompasses 112 districts across India.
- Managed at the national level by NITI Aayog.
- Individual Ministries also contribute to district progress.
- Key Features:
- Convergence of Central and State Schemes.
- Collaboration involving Central, State-level 'Prabhari' Officers, and District Collectors.
- Competition through monthly delta ranking.
- Objectives:
- Identify districts' strengths.
- Focus on quick wins for immediate improvement.
- Rank districts monthly.
- Encourage districts to catch up with the best in their state and the nation.
- Align with Sustainable Development Goals.
- Parameters for Ranking (Based on Incremental Progress):
- Health & Nutrition (30%)
- Education (30%)
- Agriculture & Water Resources (20%)
- Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%)
- Infrastructure (10%)
- Flagship Initiatives: Programs like Saksham Bitiyan Abhiyan, Anemia Mukt Bharat, and Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum are part of NITI Aayog's efforts under ADP.
