PM launches Aspirational Block Programme aimed at spurring development parameters

Tags: Government Schemes

A new initiative called the Aspirational Blocks Program was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 January with an aim to improve the performance of blocks within backward districts in various development parameters.

An overview of the news

• The Aspirational Block Program (ABP) was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23.

• Under this programme, 500 blocks across states have been identified for quarterly ranking based on their performance in areas such as health, education and nutrition.

• It will initially cover 500 districts across 31 states and union territories, of which more than half of the blocks are located in six states – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.

• The 500 blocks for ABP have been selected based on the recommendations of a four-member committee set up by the government last year.

• ABP is based on the Aspirational District Program (ADP).

Aspirational District Program

• The program was launched in January 2018 with an aim to rapidly and effectively transform some of the most underdeveloped districts in the country.

• The scheme is implemented along with the Central and State schemes.

• At the Government of India level, the program is administered by NITI Aayog.

Parameters for Best Aspirational District

• It envisages rapid development of selected districts on the basis of a composite index based on five parameters

1. Health and Nutrition

2. Education

3. Financial Inclusion and Skill Development

4. agriculture and water resources

5. Basic Infrastructure