PM launches ‘Sankalp Saptaah’, a week-long programme for Aspirational Blocks

Newdelhi:30/9/23:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched a unique week-long programme for Aspirational Blocks in the country called ‘Sankalp Saptaah’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. He also launched the Aspirational Blocks Programme Portal and inaugurated the exhibition showcased on the occasion. The Prime Minister also interacted with 3 Block block-level officers.

Interacting with Ms Ranjana Agarwal, a School teacher from Baheri, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh the Prime Minister asked about the most impactful idea from the Chintan Shivirs organized in her block. Ms Ranjana Agarwal mentioned the all-round development programme of the block and highlighted the importance of all stakeholders coming on the same platform to turn the government schemes into a mass movement. The Prime Minister also enquired about the changes implemented to improve the learning outcome of schools. Ms. Agarwal mentioned opting for activity-based learning instead of the traditional teaching methods and gave examples of organizing Bal Sabhas, music lessons, sports and physical training etc. She also mentioned smart classrooms and the use of technology to improve the quality of education. She informed about the availability of smart classrooms in all of the 2,500 schools in her district. The Prime Minister said that one of the primary conditions of Viksit Bharat is the quality education of the children. He said that he is overwhelmed by the dedication and involvement of the teachers. This is the way to ‘Samarpan se Siddhi’.

Dr. Sajied Ahmed, Veterinary, Assistant Surgeon from Mankote, Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir explained the problems of migrating tribal animal husbandry folks and told about the ways of limiting problems and damage during the migration. He told the Prime Minister his personal experiences. The Prime Minister asked about the difference between classroom knowledge and experience on the ground. The Doctor told about the sturdy local breeds that were ignored in the classroom. The Prime Minister was informed about the vaccination campaign for foot and mouth disease and he was told about the massive uptake of the vaccine in the area. The Prime Minister narrated his closeness with the Gurjars of the region as they always reminded him of the habitants of Kutch.

Upon interacting with Shri Mikehenchard Ch Momin, Jr. Rural Development Officer from Resubelpara, Ngh (Garo Region), Meghalaya, the Prime Minister inquired about the solutions to the difficulties faced due to the extreme weather conditions in the region. Shri Momin mentioned issuing preliminary orders to stock up on essential goods and creating a team to monitor the progress. Upon the Prime Minister’s inquiry about the changes in the quality of the output brought by the introduction of regional designs and owner-driven construction in PM-Awas (Gramin) to improve Ease of Living, Shri Momin replied in the affirmative. When the Prime Minister asked about the production and marketing of cashews produced in the region, Shri Momin said that cashew produced in the region is of top quality throughout the nation and mentioned MNREGA and self-help groups being used to encourage its production. Shri Momin also urged the Prime Minister to set up more cashew processing units in the region. Shri Modi also touched upon the popularity of music in the region to increase awareness. The Prime Minister underlined the critical role of Gram Panchayat in the Aspirational Block and District programme.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the venue -Bharat Mandapam and the gathering – people who are taking care of development in the far-flung areas. It is an indication of the government’s thinking that such a gathering is taking place at the venue of the G20 summit, where people deciding the direction of world affairs, gathered just a month ago, he said. The Prime Minister welcomed the ground-level change makers. “For me, this gathering is no less than G20”, Shri Modi stressed.

He said that this programme is a symbol of the success of Team Bharat and the spirit of Sabka Prayas. This programme is important for India’s future and ‘Sankalp se Siddhi’ is inherent in this.

The Prime Minister asked the delegates to focus on 5 parameters and get good results. This will increase their confidence. With this gradual address of problems, the block will become a source of aspiration for others, he said. “112 districts that were Aspirational Districts have now become inspirational districts. I am sure within a year at least 100 aspirational blocks will become inspirational blocks”, he concluded. Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog was present on the occasion among others.

Background

‘Sankalp Saptaah’ is linked to the effective implementation of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). The Prime Minister launched the nationwide programme on January 7, 2023.  It 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. Chintan shivirs were organized at village and block levels across the country to implement the Aspirational Blocks Programme and to prepare an effective block development strategy. 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’, from 3rd October till 9th October 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 will witness the participation of about 3,000 panchayat and block-level people’s representatives and functionaries from across the country in Bharat Mandapam. In addition, nearly two lakh people including block and panchayat level functionaries, farmers, and persons from other walks of life, will join the programme virtually.