Odisha Welcomes 11 New Blocks into NITI Aayog's Aspirational Programme

New Additions to the Aspirational Block Programme

Bhubaneswar: The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) announced on Tuesday that eleven blocks in Odisha have been incorporated into the Aspirational Block Programme initiated by NITI Aayog.

This initiative aims to enhance governance and improve the living standards of residents in the most remote and underdeveloped regions of India. It achieves this by integrating existing schemes, setting clear objectives, and continuously monitoring progress to address existing disparities.

The newly included blocks consist of five from Keonjhar district and six from Mayurbhanj district.

With this addition, the total number of Aspirational Blocks in Odisha has reached 40.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had previously urged NITI Aayog to consider these blocks for inclusion in the programme.

In response to his request, NITI Aayog has officially added these blocks to the Aspirational Programme.

The blocks now part of the initiative include Champua, Jhumpura, Keonjhar Sadar, Patna, and Telkoi from Keonjhar district, as well as Behalda, Bijataala, Jamada, Kusumi, Rairangpur, and Tiringi from Mayurbhanj district.

A notification confirming this inclusion was released by NITI Aayog on Tuesday.

The programme's framework emphasizes the convergence of both central and state schemes, collaboration among central and state-level officials, and district collectors, along with fostering competition among blocks through monthly performance rankings. This approach is expected to expedite development in these regions.