Aspirational Blocks Programme Module by IGOT Karmayogi Platform

Context- iGOT Karmayogi Bharat in collaboration with NITI Aayog has launched a new learning module dedicated to the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).

Key Highlights 

• The curated module, now available on the iGOT Karmayog platform, features ten comprehensive courses tailored to meet the specific needs of Block officers. 
• These courses cover a wide range of topics including time management, civic engagement, leadership, sustainability goals, problem-solving, self-management, stress management, workplace yoga and team building. 

Importance 

• It improves the functionality, domain and behavior of 5000 Block level officials. 
• By equipping them with the necessary tools, this initiative aims to improve the effectiveness of their duties and responsibilities. 

Aspiration Blocks Program 

• Building on the success of the Aspirational Districts programme, NITI Aayog launched the Aspirational Blocks programme. 
• The purpose of the program is to improve the performance of regions that are lagging behind in terms of various development parameters. 
• It was announced in the Union Budget 2022-2023. 

Aspirational District Programme

• Launched in January 2018, it aims to quickly and effectively transform 112 least developed districts across the country. 
• The main features of the program are convergence (in central and state systems), collaboration (between central, state-level nodal officers and district collectors) and inter-district competition through monthly delta rankings; everything is driven by  mass movement.  

National Institute for Transformation of India (NITI Aayog) 

• It was established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission.

• It is an executive body (acts as a think tank and advisory body).

• Objective: to promote the spirit of cooperative initiative and competitive federalism with structural support initiatives.

• Full-time organizational framework: 

1. Prime Minister as President 
2. Vice President (appointed by the Prime Minister) 
3. Members: 

• Full time 

• Part-time members by rotation: On own initiative, up to 2 members from major universities, leading research organizations and other innovative organizations. 

• Ex-officio members: a maximum of 4 members of the Council of Ministers appointed by the Prime Minister. 

• Chief Executive Officer: The Prime Minister appoints the Chief Executive Officer for a fixed term. He then becomes Secretary to the Government of India.  

• Key initiatives and recent achievements: 

1. Tension ring system. 
2. 3 Documents: 

• 3-year action program, 

• 7-year medium-term strategic document and 

• 15-year vision document.  

3. Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies (MAFAP) programme in India 
4. Promote natural agriculture with a zero budget. 
5. Promotion of Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Scheme under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY).  
6. Village storage system

Source: PIB

Practice questions:

1. How aspirational block programme is the next logical step in the localisation of the SDGs?

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