[Answered] Discuss what is Aspirational District Programme? How it would improve socio-economic status of the weaker section?

Demand of the question
Introduction. Contextual Introduction.
Body. What is Transformation of Aspirational Districts programme? Socio-economic Impact of the program.
Conclusion. Way forward.

UNDP’s 2018 Human Development Index ranked India at 130 out of 189 countries. There are wide inequalities in the living standards of people in India with significant inter-state and inter-district variations. The ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ initiative aims to remove this heterogeneity through a mass movement to quickly and effectively transform these districts. By uplifting the districts which have shown relatively lesser progress in achieving key social outcome, India can move ahead in the human development index.

About Transformation of Aspirational Districts programme:

  1. The ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ programme focuses on transforming 115 districts across 28 states that have witnessed the least progress along certain development parameters.
  2. These 115 districts account for more than 20% of the country’s population and cover over 8,600 gram panchayats.
  3. It aims to improve performance across indicators that improve the quality of life as well as economic productivity.
  4. The Aspirational Districts programme, through real-time monitoring and proactive course corrections, reinforces the mechanisms of cooperative & competitive federalism between the Centre and the States, down to the Districts.
  5. It aim to remove heterogeneity through mass movement (Jan Andolan), to quickly and effectively transform the district.
  6. It focus on the key strengths of each district and identify the low-hanging fruits for immediate improvement.

Socio-economic significance of Aspirational district program:

  1. The ADP brings together all levels of government, from central and state officers driving operations, to the district collectors implementing innovative measures on the ground. The local government is in a unique position to understand the complexities of the districts. They can experiment with different measures to enhance socio-economic development on the ground.
  2. Secessional demands, regional demands based on polarisation will be reduced due to inclusive development.
  3. Naxalism, Radicalisation, mob lynching, crime rates and social unrest will be reduced as the developmental factors increase.
  4. This would lead to reduction in Inequality, in turn poverty reduction by equitable distribution of income and tackling discrimination.
  5. It will enhance food security ensuring availability, accessibility and affordability to all. This will lead to focus on other developmental aspects of Education and skilling.
  6. With programs like Ayushman Bharat offering health cover to 100 million vulnerable families, reduces the Out of Pocket Expenditure saving many families from falling BPL.
  7. It will help in tackling unemployment by creating opportunities of employment and skill development.
  8. It will reduce migration by developing the rural areas with modern urban facilities and seamless connectivity.
  9. The programme shift the focus to socio-economic outcomes, placing data at the core of policymaking, emphasising collaboration across various levels of government, and partnering with civil society.

Aspirational district program aspire to develop one of the poorly developed districts. Improving the quality of life of people in these backward areas is important. Aspirational District Programme will go a long way to achieve regionally balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth by focusing on local development.

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