Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)

Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)

Subject: Polity

Context: The Centre is set to launch the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), a new initiative on the lines of the Aspirational District Programme.

Concept:

Under the ABP, 500 blocks across states have been identified. NITI Aayog, in partnership with the states, will release quarterly ranking of these blocks based on their performance on development indicators covering sectors such as health, education and nutrition, among others, it is learnt. The first such ranking is likely to be released in April this year.

About Aspirational District Programme:

• The Aspirational District Programme is aimed at improving performance of districts lagging on various development parameters
• The 115 districts were identified from 28 states, at least one from each state.
• Aspirational Districts are those districts in India, that are affected by poor socio-economic indicators.
• The improvement in these districts can lead to the overall improvement in human development in India.
• At the Government of India level, the programme is anchored by NITI Aayog. In addition, individual Ministries have assumed responsibility to drive the progress of districts.
• The objective of the program is to monitor the real-time progress of aspirational districts.
• ADP is based on 49 indicators from the 5 identified thematic areas, which focuses closely on improving people’s
  • Health & Nutrition
  • Education
  • Agriculture & Water Resources
  • Financial Inclusion & Skill Development
  • Basic Infrastructure
• The broad strategy of the programme include:
  • Convergence: horizontal and vertical governments.
  • Collaboration: impactful partnerships between government, market and civil society.
  • Competition: fosters accountability on district governments.