The recently launched Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) is a promising development initiative in India, aiming to enhance the performance of areas falling behind on various development parameters. Initiated during the 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries held from January 5th to 7th, 2022, the program was announced in the Union Budget of 2022-23. It will initially encompass 500 districts across 31 states and Union Territories in India, with more than half of these blocks located in six major states – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.
About Aspirational Blocks Programme
The ABP is a development plan designed to improve regions struggling with different development aspects. The scheme will be initially implemented in 500 districts across 31 states and Union Territories. A significant portion of these blocks are in six states – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
The ABP is rooted in the principles of the Aspirational District Programme (ADP), a similar intervention launched in 2018 aimed at transforming districts with less progress in key social areas. Such districts, called Aspirational Districts, are those hit hard by poor socio-economic indicators and cover 112 districts across the country. At the national level, this program is anchored by NITI Aayog, while individual Ministries have taken up the responsibility of driving the progress of districts in their purview.
Key Features of the Programme
Building on the structure of the ADP, the ABP focuses on converging Central & State Schemes, collaboration between Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors, and competition among districts through monthly delta ranking. The intention is to create a unique blend of data usage and pragmatic administration, with the district at the center of inclusive development.
The program’s main objective is to focus on each district’s strengths, identify opportunities for quick improvement, and gauge progress through monthly district rankings. Districts are encouraged to first match up with the best district within their state, then aspire to become one of the best in the country, promoting competitive & cooperative federalism.
Parameters for Ranking
The ranking within the ABP is based on incremental progress made across 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within 5 broad socio-economic themes: Health & Nutrition (30%), Education (30%), Agriculture & Water Resources (20%), Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%), and Infrastructure (10%).
Flagship Initiatives
NITI Aayog has initiated several flagship programs to support these efforts, including Saksham Bitiyan Abhiyan, Anemia Mukt Bharat, and Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum. These initiatives demonstrate the Government’s commitment to enhance living standards and ensure inclusive growth for all, embodying the spirit of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas”. They also play a crucial role in localizing Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to national progress.
Atal Innovation Mission
As part of the ongoing efforts in improving socio-economic indicators, the Atal Innovation Mission(AIM) stands out as a flagship initiative set up by the NITI Aayog. The AIM is designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, playing a pivotal role in aligning innovation policies at Central, State, and sectoral levels while fostering an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship at various levels – higher secondary schools, science, engineering and higher academic institutions, SME/MSME industry, corporate and NGO levels.
