The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) has announced a prestigious award of Rs.5 crore to Ferozepur district of the state of Punjab for its outstanding performance under the "Overall" category in the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) for the period of February 2024. It was stated by Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Deepshikha Sharma
Giving this information here, the Deputy Commissioner said that while awarding this prestigious award, NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer Mr. B.V.R. Subrahmanyam lauded the remarkable achievements of the district administration and the Central Prabhari Officer (CPO) for their dedication to improving key performance indicators.
She said that for the second time in two months, Ferozepur district has received prize money from NITI Aayog. Earlier, Aspiration Block Makhu had received an amount of Rs 1.5 crore, the development proposals of which have been sent to NITI Aayog, Government of India.
The Deputy Commissioner explained that to utilize the granted funds, the district administration should formulate a comprehensive Plan of Action or Project Proposal in coordination with state authorities and the Central Prabhari Officer.
The final approval for this proposal will rest with the Empowered Committee of Secretaries overseeing the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, she added. She further said that NITI Aayog's Project Management Unit (PMU), comprising sector specialists, will extend technical expertise to the district in developing projects across the ADP's five core sectors.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration has been asked to submit the detailed proposal by March 10, 2025 to avail the funds under ADP at the earliest. It is worth mentioning here that in recognition of this accomplishment, a Good Service Entry will also be issued to the District Collector.
"This award money will be spent for development work in various areas of district Ferozepur", said the Deputy Commissioner, while categorically adding that the district administration is making continuous efforts to make Ferozepur district an "Inspirational district" from an "Aspirational one".
Notably, the Aspirational Districts Programme is designed to accelerate the development of India's 112 most underdeveloped districts. The program focuses on crucial domains including infrastructure, education, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion and health.
Districts are evaluated through comprehensive performance indicators, developed through multi-stakeholder consultation. Established under NITI Aayog's leadership, the ADP aims to transform development into a collective endeavor, supported by multiple governmental tiers such as Central, State and District levels, exemplifying India's cooperative federalism.
The initiative expanded with the Aspirational Blocks Programme, launched by the Prime Minister on January 7, 2023 during the 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries.