PM says grassroots development is key to transform country

He asked officials to identify 100 blocks that are lagging behind in order to serve them better

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Rural Development Giriraj Singh (left) during the launch of a week-long programme for Aspirational Blocks in the country called ‘Sankalp Saptaah’, at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI

Resources should be distributed equally with a special focus on under-served areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Saturday while inaugurating Sankalp Saptaah, a week-long programme for aspirational blocks.

Sankalp Saptaah is the culmination of brainstorming sessions organised at village and block levels across the country for the effective implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). The ABP is devised to improve governance at the block level and is being implemented in 500 blocks in 329 districts in the country.

Mr. Modi said the ABP is based on the Aspirational District Programme. “The Aspirational District Programme has transformed the lives of about 25 crore people in 112 districts,” he said, adding that the ABP is bound to be a huge success.

Mr. Modi emphasised the importance of holistic development and said all parts and regions of the country should be looked after. Grassroots parameters are important for development, he said.

He asked officials to identify 100 blocks in the country that are lagging behind in their respective departments and work towards improving the conditions. All parameters of development would change once the 100 identified blocks move above the country’s average.

The Prime Minister said the focus of the government’s spending has shifted to outcome from output. “This has brought about a qualitative change,” he said. Mr. Modi said that the budget is not the only factor of change and highlighted on the optimum utilisation of resources and convergence as the basis of development. Convergence and complementarities of schemes should be leveraged,” he said.

PTI adds:

Sankalp Saptaah is linked to the effective implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme. The Prime Minister launched the nationwide programme on January 7.

The programme aims to improve governance at the block level in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens. It is being implemented in 500 aspirational blocks across 329 districts in the country.

Each day of the Sankalp Saptaah, from October 3 to October 9, is dedicated to a specific development theme on which all aspirational blocks will work.

The themes for the first six days are Sampoorna Swasthya, Suposhit Pariwaar, Shiksha and Samridhi Diwas, according to an official statement.

The last day -- October 9 -- will be a celebration of the work conducted during the entire week as Sankalp Saptaah Samavesh Samaroh'