The Aspirational Blocks Programme, commonly referred to as ABP, is a significant government initiative focused on improving the quality of life for residents in 500 of the most backward and economically disadvantaged blocks across India. The program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by these regions and stimulate comprehensive development.
The implementation of the ABP is overseen by the Niti Aayog, which serves as a federal think tank for the Indian government, tasked with creating and monitoring policies aimed at national development.
The program targets several crucial socio-economic indicators, aiming to enhance areas such as:
This fiscal year, an allocation of Rs 100 crore has been set for each block under the ABP to support various initiatives that strive to enhance governance and the overall quality of life for residents.
The program has established a three-year timeframe to achieve measurable improvements in the specified focus areas, ensuring a structured and timely approach to development.
To encourage rapid progress, blocks that demonstrate quick improvements by effectively converging existing government schemes will receive specific incentives. This strategy aims to motivate local administrations to act decisively.
The ABP encompasses 500 blocks identified as the poorest in India, with a number of these blocks also falling under the previously established Aspirational Districts Programme.
The program was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also launched the ABP portal, designed to facilitate management and oversight of the initiative.
The 'Sankalp Saptaah' is a week-long event dedicated to the Aspirational Blocks, which gathers representatives from panchayats and local governance levels to promote the goals of the ABP and engage the community in the development process.
Among the states, Uttar Pradesh has the highest concentration of blocks under the ABP, with a total of 68. It is followed by Bihar with 61 blocks, Madhya Pradesh with 42, Jharkhand with 34, and Odisha with 29 blocks.
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