Aspirational districts programme changed lives of over 25 crore people in 112 districts: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a unique week-long programme called 'Sankalp Saptaah'. The "Sankalp Saptaah" initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens by improving governance at the block level.
Sankalp Saptaah: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a unique week-long programme called 'Sankalp Saptaah' for the country's aspirational blocks at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Addressing the launch programme, the Prime Minister said that the aspirational districts programme has changed the lives of more than 25 crore people in 112 districts of the country. He said that there has been a change in the quality of life. "Now, the success of the aspirational districts programme will form the basis of the aspirational blocks programme," he said.
'This summit is as significant as G20 summit'
He said that the Bharat Mandapam, where world leaders had gathered to discuss global issues, is now hosting individuals who bring about changes at the grassroots level. "For me, this summit is as significant as the G20 summit," added PM Modi. "As you gather here today, this reflects the thinking of our country and the government. The ones who have gathered here right now are the people who care for the country's rural areas and want to promote policies catering to that. Whereas, the people who were sitting here a month ago were the people who guided the world" said the PM.
PM Modi said that the aspirational districts programme showed if we focus on the basics of good governance then even challenging goals can be achieved. "In contrast to previous administrations that followed a uniform housing model, our government has prioritized the use of locally sourced materials and implemented an owner-driven approach in construction...Block Panchayats play a huge role in the Aspirational Block Programme. New India wants reforms in the governance," said PM Modi.
Want to see India as a developed nation in 2047
The PM said he is confident that just as the Aspirational Districts Program has shown success, similarly the Aspirational Block Program is also going to be 100 per cent successful. He said that the government want to see the country as a developed nation in 2047. "We want to see the country as a developed nation by 2047. But the developed country does not mean that grandeur should be seen in Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai and our villages should be left behind, we do not follow that model. We want to take charge of the destiny of 140 crore people and bring about a change in their lives," PM Modi said at Bharat Mandapam.
"This program ('Sankalp Saptaah') is a symbol of the success of Team India. This symbolises the spirit of everyone's effort. This program is also important for the future of India. In this, there is a reflection of accomplishment through resolution," PM Modi said.
"We have worked with a very simple strategy for the Aspirational District Programme. If we do not do all-round development and all-beneficial development, then the figures may give satisfaction, but fundamental change is not possible. Therefore, it is necessary that we move forward by making changes at the grassroots," he said.
The Prime Minister urged state governments and the officials of the Government of India to also note that those who are successful within the block, their future should also be bright, so that they have the passion to do something. "They are the people who bring results, those teams should be taken forward," he added.
PM Modi interacted with stall owners at Bharat Madapam at the launch of Sankalp Saptaah–‘Sabki Akankshayein Sabka Vikas’- Aspirational Blocks Programme.
PM Modi interacts with people at 'Sankalp Saptaah'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with people at 'Sankalp Saptaah' at Bharat Mandapam.
About Sankalp Saptaah
According to the Prime Minister's Office, ‘Sankalp Saptaah’ is linked to the effective implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). The nationwide programme was launched by the Prime Minister on January 7, 2023. It aims to improve governance at the block level inorder to enhance the quality of life of citizens. It is being implemented in 500 Aspirational Blocks across 329 districts in the country. For implementing the Aspirational Blocks Programme and to prepare an effective block development strategy, chintan shivirs were organised at village and block levels across the country. The ‘Sankalp Saptaah’ is a culmination of these chintan shivirs.
‘Sankalp Saptaah’ will be observed in all of the 500 Aspirational Blocks. Each day in ‘Sankalp Saptaah’, starting from October 3 till October 9, 2023, is dedicated to a specific development theme on which all Aspirational Blocks will work. The themes for the first six days include ‘Sampoorna Swasthya’, ‘Suposhit Pariwaar’, ‘Swachhta’, ‘Krishi’, ‘Shiksha’, and ‘Samridhi Diwas’. The last day of the week i.e. October 9, 2023, will be a celebration of the work conducted during the entire week, as ‘Sankalp Saptaah – Samavesh Samaroh’.
The inaugural programme witnessed the participation of about 3,000 panchayat and block-level people's representatives and functionaries from across the country in Bharat Mandapam. In addition, about two lakh people including block and panchayat level functionaries, farmers, and persons from other walks of life, will join the programme virtually.