Overview

“About Transformation of Aspirational Districts Programme”

1.

Introduction

India is on a high growth trajectory that is expected to lift millions out of poverty. However, the quality of life of many of its citizens is not consistent with this growth story, a fact reflected in the UNDP’s 2016 Human Development Index, in which India was ranked 131 out of 188 countries.

A closer look at the data reveals significant heterogeneity in living standards across India. There are considerable inter-state and inter-district variations. By uplifting districts that have shown relatively less progress in achieving key social outcomes, India can improve its position on the Human Development Index.

The ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ initiative aims to address this heterogeneity through a mass movement to transform these districts quickly and effectively.

On the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement, on 9 August 2017, the Hon’ble Prime Minister interacted with District Collectors via video conference and stated that “when the socio-economic conditions improve in the 100 most backward districts, it would give a significant boost to the overall development of the country.” While launching this programme in January 2018, the Prime Minister addressed the Collectors of all aspirational districts and called for a concerted effort to transform these districts.

2. Strategy

The broad contours of the programme are:

• Convergence of Central and State schemes
• Collaboration among Central and State-level ‘Prabhari’ Officers and District Collectors
• Competition among districts, driven by the spirit of a mass movement

With States as the primary drivers, the programme focuses on leveraging the strengths of each district, identifying low-hanging fruits for immediate improvement, measuring progress, and ranking districts.

3. Selection of Districts

The 115 districts were identified from 28 States, with at least one district from each State. The selection was made transparently by a committee of senior officers of the Government of India, in consultation with State officials.

A composite index was used, based on key datasets including:

• Deprivation indicators enumerated under the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC)
• Key health and education sector performance indicators
• Status of basic infrastructure

4. Framework

This programme is a policy priority of the Government of India. NITI Aayog anchors the programme with support from Central Ministries and State Governments.

The Ministry of Home Affairs steers the initiative in 35 Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts. NITI Aayog focuses on 30 districts, while various Central Ministries oversee 50 districts.

Officers at the level of Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary have been nominated as ‘Central Prabhari Officers’ for each district. States have appointed State Nodal Officers and Prabhari Officers.

An Empowered Committee under the convenorship of the CEO, NITI Aayog, has been constituted to facilitate convergence of various government schemes and streamline efforts.

5. Focus Areas

The Government is committed to raising the living standards of its citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all — “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

To enable optimal utilization of their potential, the programme focuses on improving people’s ability to participate fully in the economy.

The core areas of focus are:

• Health & Nutrition
• Education
• Agriculture & Water Resources
• Financial Inclusion & Skill Development
• Basic Infrastructure

After several rounds of consultations with stakeholders, 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were selected to measure district-level progress.

Districts first aspire to catch up with the best-performing district within their State and subsequently aim to become among the best in the country by competing with and learning from others in the spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism.

6. Real-time Monitoring Dashboard

NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, has developed a dashboard to monitor the real-time progress of districts.

Key district-level officials are responsible for data collection, evaluation, and generation of Management Information System (MIS) reports.

Districts are ranked based on the progress achieved (‘delta ranking’) on a real-time basis