Latest news with #AspirationalBlocksProgramme
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Aspirational Blocks Programme: Telangana's Gattu block placed fifth in NITI Aayog rankings
HYDERABAD: Gattu block of Jogulamba Gadwal district has secured the 5th rank at the national level in the Delta rankings of Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) announced by NITI Aayog on Friday. It also stood second in Zone-3, which includes the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The rankings were announced as part of the Delta Rankings for the January-March 2025 quarter. Jogulamba Gadwal District Collector B M Santhosh in a statement said that Gattu block is set to receive a cash reward of Rs 1 crore from NITI Aayog in recognition of its good performance. He said that it is a remarkable achievement as a total of 500 aspirational blocks competed. As part of the initiative, a 'Wall of Fame' will be displayed at NITI Aayog's headquarters in New Delhi to showcase the success stories of top-performing blocks. The Delta Ranking is based on 39 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) spread across five critical sectors, including health and nutrition, education, agriculture and allied activities, basic infrastructure, social development. Between the October-December 2024 and January-March 2025 quarters, Gattu block recorded a notable composite score improvement from 61.24 to 69.43, marking a growth of 8.19%.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Delta Rankings for ABP: Ghattu Block in Gadwal dist in 5th place in nationwide rankings
Hyderabad: NITI Aayog has released the Delta Rankings for the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) for Q4 of 2024–25 (January–March 2025). Ghattu Block of Jogulamba Gadwal District secured the 5th rank out of 500 blocks nationwide and the 2nd rank in Zone 3, which comprises the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. In recognition of this outstanding performance, Ghattu Block has been awarded Rs 1 crore by NITI Aayog. The rankings were announced during a virtual national event hosted by NITI Aayog, which saw the participation of all 500 aspirational blocks across the country. The Delta Ranking is based on the progress made across 39 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) grouped under five core themes: 1) Health & Nutrition, 2) Education, 3) Agriculture & Allied Services, 4) Basic Infrastructure, 5) Social Development Between October–December 2024 and January–March 2025, Ghattu Block improved its composite score from 61.24 to 69.43, marking a significant incremental progress of 8.19% in just one quarter. District Collector Santhosh B M congratulated all Block Officers, sectoral departments, and frontline workers for their tireless efforts. He emphasized that achieving this milestone was possible due to strong coordination, real-time data monitoring, inter-departmental convergence, and a clear focus on KPI-based planning and implementation. 'This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our grassroots officers, who have worked relentlessly towards 100% saturation of all KPIs. The results reflect our collective commitment to translating the ABP's vision into reality,' said the Collector. As part of this initiative, the success stories and impact-driven models from the top-performing blocks will be showcased on the 'Wall of Fame' inaugurated today at NITI Aayog, New Delhi. This platform celebrates excellence and innovation under both the Aspirational Blocks and Aspirational Districts Programmes, and aims to inspire a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Gattu Block Ranks 5th Nationally in NITI Aayog Delta Ranking, Earns ₹1 Crore Award for Outstanding Development Progress
Gadwal: In a remarkable achievement, Gattu Block in Jogulamba Gadwal district has secured 5th place nationally and 2nd place in Zone-3 (comprising Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala) in the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) 2024–25 Delta Ranking for Q4 (January–March 2025) released by NITI Aayog. District Collector B. M. Santosh, IAS shared this proud update, stating that Gattu Block's exceptional performance in the latest national rankings has earned it a recognition award of ₹1 crore, which will soon be presented by NITI Aayog. The rankings were announced during a virtual event organized by NITI Aayog, where representatives from all 500 Aspirational Blocks across the country participated. As part of the celebrations, the "Wall of Fame" at the NITI Aayog Headquarters now features the success stories of top-performing blocks. This initiative highlights how Aspirational Blocks and District Programmes are working in alignment with India's vision for a Developed Nation by 2047. Ranking Methodology: The Delta Rankings were assessed based on 39 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) categorized under five crucial development themes: 1. Health and Nutrition 2. Education 3. Agriculture and Allied Services 4. Basic Infrastructure 5. Social Development Between the third quarter (October–December 2024) and the fourth quarter (January–March 2025), Gattu Block's composite score improved from 61.24 to 69.43, recording an impressive 8.19% growth. Collector's Appreciation: District Collector lauded the tireless efforts of Gattu Block officials, departmental heads, and frontline workers, stating: 'This is a result of collective and coordinated efforts. All departments have shown dedication and commitment towards achieving 100% KPI targets.' He extended heartfelt congratulations to all stakeholders involved and expressed confidence that the district would continue to excel in national-level development programmes. This milestone not only reflects the administrative efficiency and grassroots commitment in Gattu Block but also serves as an inspiration for other blocks across the country to strive for accelerated, inclusive, and sustainable development.
Hindustan Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Empowering women, tribal communities through digital access
The digital revolution is reshaping economies, businesses, and communities across the globe. Yet, millions in India—particularly women and tribal populations in rural and aspirational blocks—remain on the fringes of this growth story. While more than 55% of internet users in India are from rural areas, when it comes to daily internet usage, urban users surpass their rural counterparts. In many tribal and rural communities across India, digital exclusion goes beyond a lack of smart devices, creating a profound disconnect from essential services and opportunities. Representing some of India's most marginalised communities, the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are characterised by pre-agricultural economies, stagnant literacy rates, and minimal access to mainstream development opportunities. With a population of 44,71,005 individuals, these communities face fundamental barriers due to limited access to smartphones and digital infrastructure. Many remain unable to access even basic digital identity services and Aadhaar-enabled benefits, cutting them off from crucial financial aid, health care, and welfare mechanisms. As India's digital infrastructure evolves, this gap threatens to further widen existing inequities, reinforcing cycles of poverty and marginalisation. Bridging this gap is not just about providing access to technology but also about equipping individuals with the skills to use it meaningfully. Digital literacy enables remote work, entrepreneurship, and access to e-commerce among other benefits, helping overcome mobility barriers, particularly for women and marginalised communities. For tribal communities, it unlocks government schemes, financial services, and agricultural advancements, fostering self-reliance. These are the foundation for socio-economic progress, ensuring no one is left behind in India's digital growth story. As digital access expands, so does the potential for empowerment. A well-structured digital literacy initiative must focus on training people in navigating the internet, cybersecurity, digital payments, and e-governance for a holistic understanding of the digital world. It must also foster entrepreneurial readiness, equipping individuals with tools for online business management and e-commerce platforms, leading to economic independence. For those who wish to join the workforce, digital literacy programs must provide certifications that align with industry needs and improve employability in tech-enabled jobs. Recognising the challenges of imparting digital literacy to vulnerable communities like the PVTGs, the government of India launched the Aspirational Blocks Programme as a targeted intervention to bridge the digital divide at the grassroots level. Building on the successful digital literacy initiatives of the Aspirational Districts Programme, this block-level approach enables focused empowerment of India's most underserved areas, particularly those with significant tribal populations. The programme combines technology-enabled learning with physical infrastructure and community engagement to ensure digital resources and e-governance services reach the last mile. Equipping marginalised communities with foundational digital skills and providing access to essential e-governance services is essential to fostering inclusion and enabling self-reliance in some of the most remote and disadvantaged regions of our nation. For India to become Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is imperative that they are brought into the digital fold through a targeted, scalable approach to digital literacy that provides tailor-made solutions. The Tribal Development Report 2022 highlights a concerning reality—literacy among PVTGs stands at just 47.7%, significantly lower than the national average of 77.3%. This underscores both the urgency of digital inclusion and the challenges of its implementation. For leaders determined to bring in change--solving this requires a hyperlocal, culturally attuned approach. Training modules must be designed in vernacular languages, incorporating visual and audio aids to ensure accessibility. More importantly, digital ambassadors from within these communities can play a transformative role in driving adoption. However, without upgraded infrastructure, even the best-designed interventions will fall short. Establishing community tech centres equipped with devices, internet access, and mentorship programmes through industry collaborations can help PVTGs see tangible benefits of digital literacy. Scaling these efforts however demands a collaborative ecosystem where policymakers, industry leaders, and non-profits must work together, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven, mobile-first vernacular platforms for accessibility. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives should integrate digital skills, complementing government-led programs. To ensure measurable impact, implementing monitoring frameworks tracking employment rates, entrepreneurship growth, and digital adoption is critical. We must focus on technology-enabled, sustainable solutions that bridge this divide and unlock true empowerment. Access to digital platforms enables participation in government schemes, digital banking, and e-governance services, improving transparency and financial autonomy, and hence, strengthening governance and social inclusion measures. With digital tools, people in even the most remote areas can access online education, vocational training, telemedicine, and awareness programs that significantly improve their quality of life. The Union Budget this year reinforces the commitment to digital empowerment through targeted provisions for women and marginalised communities. The Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme, coupled with enhanced rural connectivity initiatives, positions digital literacy as a cornerstone of socio-economic progress. This strategic focus on digital inclusion promises to transform technology access from a privilege to an enabler of equitable growth. This article is authored by Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation.
News18
24-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Decoding PM Modi's Rural Empowerment Drive And The Politics Of Development
Last Updated: With a 'whole-of-government' push, the Centre aims to reshape rural India into a hub of opportunity and prosperity under Viksit Bharat 2047 Prime Minister Modi headed the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting, 'Viksit Bharat 2047', to discuss rural development, expansion of the Aspirational Blocks Programme, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 goals. Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories, along with their respective Lieutenant Governors, were present. Deliberations were held on the country's roadmap to achieving the Modi government's 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision. The overarching theme of 'Viksit Bharat' is intertwined with the aspiration of a developed rural India. The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025, themed 'Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047', links the prosperity of villages to the nation's progress, encapsulated in the motto, 'Village grows, the country grows". The objective is to empower rural populations by converting villages into dynamic centres of growth, offering opportunities, mitigating outward migration, and enhancing the quality of life. There is a dual approach to rural empowerment under the Viksit Bharat initiative, focusing on both foundational infrastructure and economic enablement. Universal toilet access under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the construction of pucca houses via the PM Awas Yojana, and the provision of clean drinking water through the Jal Jeevan Mission have ensured basic amenities. With approximately 4 lakh kilometres of rural roads constructed over the past decade under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, connectivity has also been bolstered. Over 94 per cent of rural households now have access to telephones, mobile banking, and UPI, integrating rural India into the modern economy. Common Service Centres have expanded to 5 lakh from fewer than 1 lakh before 2014. They provide online access to numerous government services, aiding village development and generating employment opportunities. These advancements are foundational to creating an environment for rural prosperity and well-being. Economic revitalisation has received significant focus. Approximately Rs 3 lakh crore has been disbursed under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi; agricultural loans have also seen a substantial increase, and many Kisan Credit Cards have been issued to provide financial support to farmers. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have been promoted to ensure better market access and prices for agricultural produce. Efforts are also underway to promote natural farming and diversify rural incomes through improved irrigation and the creation of rural enterprises. The strategy actively seeks to promote non-agricultural livelihoods as well. It involves establishing service-sector-based manufacturing hubs in smaller towns and expanding opportunities within the MSME and informal sectors in rural areas. The Vishwakarma Yojana scheme helps support traditional crafts. Furthermore, rural MSMEs have reportedly benefited from schemes providing collateral-free loans and support for start-ups. The inclusion of green economy opportunities, particularly in renewable energy, is another area for job creation and sustainable growth. Human Development and the Political Narrative Access to healthcare facilities through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the benefits of telemedicine in rural areas have increased. Concurrently, education facilities have been bolstered as part of the Viksit Bharat mission. Since 2014, improvements in educational access have led to increased enrolment, including a significant rise in female enrolment, and enhanced research output from higher education institutions. However, the political discourse surrounding human development, particularly education and health, is evolving. As basic infrastructure becomes more widespread, political focus is shifting towards issues of quality of life, positioning education, health, climate change, and the environment as potential areas for political mobilisation by the opposition. While the government highlights progress, the opposition seeks to delegitimise that progress by politicising the nature of development. Implementation Challenges and Future Trajectory The year 2047, as envisioned by the Modi government, is to mark the transformation of rural India into an epicentre of economic activity. The 'whole-of-government' approach, with seamless coordination across various ministries and levels of government, is ensuring that the vision progresses towards its objectives. 'Development from the periphery', focusing on empowering border regions and rural fringes, is a highlight of a government working for the people and reaching the most hard-to-reach villages. The long-term impact hinges on overcoming entrenched issues such as regional disparities, skill gaps, and ensuring the sustainability of economic activities in rural areas. However, achievements such as the reduction in rural poverty and the empowerment of women through initiatives like Lakhpati Didis show that we are moving in the right direction. First Published:
