J&K’s scheme for development of most backward blocks on lines of NITI Aayog’s aspirational district programme
DCs to prepare plans for development of selected areas, Finance Department to release Rs 44 crore, GAD to nominate mentoring officers, PD&MD to monitor scheme
Srinagar, November 20, 2021: The J&K administration has unveiled the operational modalities for its ambitious aspirational block development programme, a scheme conceived on the lines of the National Institution for Transformation of India(NITI) Aayog’s aspirational district programme.
In an order, a copy of which is in possession of news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the J&K’s Planning Development and Monitoring Department has notified the list of 44 blocks which will be covered under the scheme.
The scheme has been rolled out for transformation of socio-economic conditions in the most backward blocks of J&K.
According to the order, two blocks each have been selected in the all districts of the Union Territory, barring Ramban and Reasi, where four villages each will be covered.
Under the scheme, the blocks selected shall be eligible for seeking financial assistance of Rs one crore each after meeting ten qualifying criteria/ indicators.
On the lines of aspirational district programme, the concerned district development commissioners would prepare a plan for their development,
“After certification of blocks eligibility, the concerned district development commissioners shall prepare aspirational block development programme for further development of that aspirational block. The resources shall be clearly delineated across various sectors (poverty, health and nutrition, education and basic infrastructure) of development at concerned block,” it states.
These plans shall be submitted to the Planning Development & Monitoring Department for approval.
“The aspirational block development programme plan so prepared by DDCS shall be submitted to PD&MD for approval,” the order says.
According to the guidelines, additional financial assistance of Rs one crore shall be made available to eligible blocks through the Rural Development Department only after approval.
The Finance department has been directed to make necessary budgetary provisions for providing additional financial assistance of Rs 44 crore for these aspirational blocks.
“PD&MD shall finalise framework for release of funds and monitoring progress of development in these districts. The scheme shall be monitored by PD&MD,” it reads.
The order states that the best practices implemented in development across the UT shall be followed for socio-economic upliftmemt of these blocks.
“All DDCs shall designate a nodal officer for implementation of aspirational block development programme,” the order states.
According to the order, a separate order shall be issued by the General Administration Department to nominate the mentoring officers for these aspirational blocks—(KNO)
