Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)

The Hon'ble Prime Minister launched the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) on January 7, 2023, during the 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries.

The programme focuses on improving governance to enhance the quality of life of citizens and service delivery in the remotest and less developed blocks of India. This is done through converging existing schemes, defining outcomes, and monitoring them constantly to bridge gaps.

• An Inter-Ministerial Committee in consultation with States has identified 500 blocks from across 27 States and 4 Union Territories of India for the ABP. Each block will focus on monitoring key socio-economic indicators categorized under major themes: Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied Services, Basic Infrastructure and Social Development.

• Out of these 20 under-developed blocks are selected from Assam, i.e.13 districts from Assam, comprising 7 Aspirational Districts and 6 Non-Aspirational Districts with 20 under-developed blocks, have been identified under the programme. The list is as follows:

• Previously, P&RD Dept. was the Nodal Department for Aspirational Block Programme (ABP).
• Transformation & Development Department is now designated as the Nodal Department for Aspirational Block Programme (ABP). (Office Order:e-file No.PDP.573141/14, dated 5/09/2026)
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & SDG Correlation

The ADP focuses on 5 core thematic areas. The 5 core thematic areas are: 1. Health & Nutrition, 2. Education, 3. Agriculture &Allied Services, 4. Basic Infrastructureand 5. Social Development Progress is measured through 40 Key Performance indicators (KPIs).

• The Aspirational Blocks strategy

The Aspirational Blocks strategy hinges upon three broad contours:

Convergence (of Central & State Schemes),

Collaboration (between NITI Aayog, Central Ministries, State Departments, District & Block Administration) and,

Competition among blocks driven by a spirit of mass Movement.

The following constitutes the central strategy under the Aspirational Blocks Programme:

1. Robust monitoring of key socio-economic indicators: The blocks would be monitored on 39 key indicators that have been identified under priority themes namely, Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied Services, Basic Infrastructure and Social Development. The blocks would be ranked based on the progress they make on these indicators over time.
2. Preparation of the Block Development Strategy: ABP would support Blocks in developing a well-planned Block Development Strategy which would take into consideration Block-specific challenges and opportunities. Blocks would undertake a SWOT analysis and develop strategies to maximize the strengths and opportunities while developing methods to overcome weaknesses and threats. Blocks would identify key interventions across all the sectors of ABP that could help achieve saturation of services and surpass the State average on key socio-economic parameters.
3. Capacity Building of functionaries: ABP would ensure continuous capacity building of Block-level functionaries to ensure effective and accelerated implementation of schemes. Capacity Building Modules on leadership and relevant sectors would be a central piece of the programme. NITI Aayog, along with expert institutions and Ministries, would develop training modules and create Master Trainers who would conduct capacity-building training across all sectors.
4. Knowledge Portal for continuous learning: The Programme would have a knowledge portal for documentation and dissemination of best practices that have been initiated to address local challenges and improve service delivery. All States, Districts and Blocks would have the opportunity to document innovative solutions that may be replicated by others with similar challenges. A systematic approach to knowledge management would be adopted for continuous learning under the Programme.

• Capacity building:

Capacity building is a central component of the ABP with an emphasis on enhancing governance through capacity building. Under ABP, this includes enabling stakeholders with the necessary expertise, knowledge, and assets required for the effective execution of plans. The capacity-building strategy is centred on:

1. Programme Orientation and Leadership training: All Blocks-Level Officials and key stakeholders of ABP shall undergo an orientation that would help prepare them as Leaders of Change along with an understanding of programme objectives, key components and implementation strategy.
2. Building domain expertise: The Block-level Officials shall be provided training and exposure on key priority sectors with an aim to build capacity for planning, strategizing, implementing and monitoring progress and outcomes in the defined priority sectors.