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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.