Affirming that the Aspirational Districts Programme has positively impacted over 25 crore people across 112 districts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Saturday that he plans to return next year to assess its progress.
During an event launching “Sankalp Saptaah” linked to the Aspirational Blocks Programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Aspirational Blocks Programme Portal, declaring, “For me, this gathering is no less important than the G20.”
He emphasised that the programme represents the success of Team Bharat and the spirit of Sabka Prayas.
The PM highlighted that the Aspirational Districts Programme has transformed these areas into “inspirational districts.” He announced an ambitious goal: within the next year, at least 100 out of 500 aspirational blocks will become inspirational.
Modi urged officials from various ministries to select 100 blocks that are lagging behind in their respective departments and elevate them above the national average on various parameters.
Expressing confidence in meeting again in October-November 2024 for an evaluation, Modi addressed an audience that included government officials, representatives from approximately 3,000 panchayats and blocks, and functionaries from across the country.
Around two lakh individuals, including block and panchayat-level functionaries, farmers, and local residents, virtually participated in the event. The Prime Minister noted that the Aspirational Districts Programme will hold a significant place in any list of the top 10 programmes of independent India.
At the Bharat Mandapam event, Modi contrasted the venue’s previous role in hosting world leaders’ discussions on global matters with its current focus on grassroots-level issues involving participants from all corners of the country.
The international convention and exhibition center at Pragati Maidan, which hosted the G20 Summit during India’s presidency, played a pivotal role.
Modi emphasised the crucial importance of optimal resource utilisation, convergence, and public involvement in grassroots development.
Drawing from his extensive government experience, he stressed that budget allocation alone is insufficient for creating change. Through efficient resource utilisation and convergence, progress can be achieved without additional funds.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need for equitable resource distribution and urged increased public participation in achieving goals.
He engaged with block-level officers from three aspirational districts: Baheri (Uttar Pradesh), Mankote (Jammu and Kashmir), and Resubelpara (Meghalaya).
Each day of ‘Sankalp Saptaah,’ from October 3 to October 9, focuses on a specific development theme, with all aspirational blocks actively participating.
