UNDP lauds Aspirational District Program

Tags: National News

A report released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) lauded the Aspirational District Program (ADP) as a very successful model of local area development.

• About Aspirational Districts Programme

• It was launched by NITI Aayog in 2018.

• The program aims to transform districts that have made relatively little progress in key social areas.

• Aspirational districts are those districts of India which are affected by poor socio-economic indicators.

• Under this, 115 districts from 28 states have been transparently identified.

• NITI Aayog coordinates and manages the program with the support of Central Ministries and State Governments.

• 5 broad socio-economic indicators - Under the programme 5 broad socio-economic indicators are included -

1. Health & Nutrition (30%)

2. Education (30%)

3. Agriculture & Water Resources (20%)

4. Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%)

5. Infrastructure (10%)

• Significance of the programme

• The government is committed to raising the standard of living of the citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas".

• Districts are also encouraged to develop and replicate best practices that improve socio-economic issues.

• The objective of the program is to localize the Sustainable Development Goals, so that the nation can progress.

• About NITI Aayog

• It is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, it provides directional and policy inputs.

• It designs strategic and long-term policies.

• It also provides relevant technical advice to the Centre, States, and Union Territories.

• The Governing Council of NITI Aayog is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes the Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories and the Lieutenant Governors of other Union Territories. 

• It was constituted on January 1, 2015.

• NITI stands for National Institution for Transforming India.

• The Government of India constituted the NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission, which was set up in 1950.

• This step was taken to better meet the needs and aspirations of the people.