The Aspirational Districts Program was launched in 112 districts, across 26 states and one union territory, in January 2018 under NITI Aayog, with the aim to bring transformative changes in the most under-developed districts of the country
The program aims at rapid transformation of these relatively underdeveloped districts across sectors of Health and Nutrition, School Education, Basic infrastructure, Agriculture and Water Resources and Financial Inclusion and Skill Developments.
Among the given sectors, Health and Nutrition, and Education have been given 30% weightage each. The Financial Inclusion and Skill Development have been accorded the least 5% weightage. Agriculture and Basic Infrastructure have been earmarked at 20% and 10% each. These sectors are placed under State lists; the scheme does not envisage a separate funding.
In the 112 districts, the state of Jharkhand accounts for the highest 19 districts, followed by Bihar with 13 districts. The north Indian states of Sikkim, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland have one district each.
The Aspirational Districts Program is based on three core principles namely – ‘convergence’ for central and State Schemes, ‘Collaboration’ among citizens, and ‘competition’ among districts. While the scheme does not mandate separate funding, to promote a competitive spirit amongst the districts, additional monthly performance-based allocations are awarded: Rs. 10 Crore to the best overall performing district, Rs 3 crore to be awarded to the best performing district in each category. A total of 519 crores have been disbursed under this arrangement.
As per the latest figures, the district of ‘ Barpeta’ of Assam, has received the highest award allocation of 15 crores. Fatehpur from the state of Uttar Pradesh is placed second with 11 crores. Nawada District from Bihar has received the least award allocation amongst districts.
Currently, the district of ‘Balrampur’ of Uttar Pradesh is placed in the first place in the category of overall ranking. Ranchi of Jharkhand in Health and Nutrition, Balrampur of Uttar Pradesh in Education, Araria of Bihar in Agriculture, Goalpara of Assam in Financial Inclusion and Skill Development, and Bhadradri-Kothagudum of Telangana are placed at number one in ranking, for the month of February.
Replying to a question in parliament on whether there is a proposal to include new districts. The Minister for Planning replied that, the 112 districts were selected through a transparent mechanism, based on 49 parameters and that there is no proposal to make a new addition.
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