LUCKNOW: For development at a micro level, the state government has identified 100 blocks which it is in the process of developing on the lines of aspirational districts. Under this, the government will focus on implementing schemes and development projects in these backward areas to bring them on a par with other developed areas of the state on socio-economic parameters.
In a review meeting on Wednesday, the CM said that work needs to be intensified in these blocks and real-time monitoring of project implementation is necessary to assess progress. “All eight aspirational districts in UP have made significant improvement under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme. Similarly, special initiatives should be implemented to develop aspirational blocks and real-time monitoring should be done to track progress,” the CM said.
A government spokesperson said that work is being implemented on five socio-economic themes to bring about holistic development of these blocks. These are: health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, and skill development and infrastructure.
Other programmes being implemented will find special resonance in the aspirational blocks, the official said, adding that if there is an aspirational block within a district, it is most likely to get priority in implementation of projects.
Schemes being implemented here include the Banking Correspondent Sakhi programme, gram sachivalaya and Amrit Sarovar scheme for development of water bodies.
"Students of IIT-Kanpur and IIM-Lucknow will be roped in for continuous monitoring of aspirational development blocks and accurate assessment of the situation. The block development officer will not be given any additional charge of other blocks. Effort will be made to appoint outstanding officials in these areas to ensure proper development," the spokesperson added.
The SDM will be designated as the nodal officer of the block and will be responsible for the pace of development works and the implementation of the projects in a fair manner.
The aspirational districts programme was launched by the Centre in January 2018 in an attempt to raise the living standards of people living in "backward" areas.
