Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)

✦Key Features

• 500 blocks in 329 districts across all states selected on composite backwardness index
• 7 themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Allied Services, Basic Infrastructure, Social Development, Financial Inclusion, Governance
• Monthly competitive ranking — blocks compete on delta improvement
• Central Prabhari Officer per block for coordination
• Follows ADP model: 112 Aspirational Districts improved significantly (49 graduated by 2025)
• NITI Aayog implements with district and block administrators
• Sub-national initiative within existing district administration framework

✓Eligibility Criteria

• Administrative units of the 500 blocks identified across various districts in India.
• State and Union Territory governments responsible for block-level governance.
• Implementing agencies working on health, education, and infrastructure sectors.
• District administrations overseeing the development of lagging blocks.

★Benefits

• Systemic outcomes in public health, nutrition, education, and basic infrastructure facilities.
• Convergence of multiple government schemes at the grassroots level for maximum impact.
• Empowerment of block-level administration through data-driven decision making and monitoring.
• Reduction in regional disparities by focusing resources on historically underserved administrative blocks.

▶Application Process

• Blocks are selected by the NITI Aayog in consultation with States based on deprivation indicators.
• Block-level officials formulate a Block Development Strategy to address specific local gaps.
• Performance data is regularly uploaded by block authorities on the 'Champions of Change' dashboard.
• Progress is evaluated through a ranking system based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

₹ Budget Allocation

4000

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): Implemented through existing scheme outlays via convergence; specific 'Performance Linked Funds' are provided by the Centre.

Historical Context

Launched on January 7, 2023, following the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme (2018) to address pockets of underdevelopment within even well-performing districts.