NITI Aayog Launches ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’: A Drive Towards Holistic Development

In a significant move to accelerate the development of India’s most challenging regions, NITI Aayog is set to launch the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ on July 4, 2024. This ambitious 3-month campaign aims to achieve saturation in key indicators across 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks, marking a new chapter in India’s journey towards inclusive growth.

The Vision Behind Sampoornata Abhiyan

The ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’, which translates to “Completeness Campaign”, represents a concentrated effort to bring about holistic development in areas that have historically lagged behind. By focusing on six crucial indicators, the campaign seeks to ensure that no one is left behind in India’s progress story.

Key Focus Areas for Aspirational Blocks:

1. Antenatal Care Registration: Increasing the percentage of pregnant women registered within the first trimester.
2. Diabetes Screening: Enhancing the screening rate for diabetes among the targeted population.
3. Hypertension Screening: Improving the screening rate for hypertension in the block.
4. Supplementary Nutrition: Ensuring pregnant women receive regular nutrition under the ICDS Programme.
5. Soil Health Cards: Generating soil health cards against the collection target.
6. Self-Help Groups: Providing revolving funds to a higher percentage of SHGs.

Key Focus Areas for Aspirational Districts:

1. Antenatal Care Registration: Similar to the block-level focus.
2. Supplementary Nutrition: Ensuring pregnant women receive regular nutrition.
3. Child Immunization: Increasing the percentage of fully immunized children (9-11 months).
4. Soil Health Cards: Distributing soil health cards to farmers.
5. School Electrification: Ensuring functional electricity in secondary schools.
6. Timely Textbook Distribution: Providing textbooks to children within one month of the academic session’s start.

Implementation Strategy

To ensure the success of ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’, NITI Aayog has outlined a comprehensive strategy:

1. Action Plans: Districts and blocks will develop 3-month action plans to achieve saturation in the six indicators.
2. Monthly Tracking: Progress will be monitored on a monthly basis.
3. Awareness Campaigns: Implementation of awareness and behavior change initiatives.
4. Field Visits: District officials will conduct concurrent monitoring through field visits.
5. Collaborative Approach: NITI Aayog will work in tandem with Central Ministries, Departments, and State/UT Governments for effective implementation.

The Bigger Picture: Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programmes

The ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ is part of the broader Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). These initiatives, launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2018 and 2023 respectively, aim to fast-track development in India’s most challenging regions.

Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP):

• Launched in January 2018
• Covers 112 districts
• Focuses on 5 themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Infrastructure
• Progress measured on 81 indicators

Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP):

• Launched in January 2023
• Covers 500 blocks across 329 districts
• Focuses on 5 themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied Services, Basic Infrastructure, and Social Development
• Progress measured on 40 indicators

The Road Ahead

As India celebrates its 77th year of independence, the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to inclusive growth. By targeting specific, measurable outcomes in health, education, agriculture, and social development, this campaign promises to bring about tangible changes in the lives of millions.

The success of this initiative will not only transform the targeted districts and blocks but also serve as a model for development that can be replicated across the country. As the campaign unfolds over the next three months, all eyes will be on these regions, watching closely as they strive to achieve new milestones in their journey towards progress.