ASR District Reviews Progress Under ‘Aspirational Districts’ Programme

Visakhapatnam: The Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district administration on Friday reviewed implementation of the Aspirational Districts Programme at a high-level meeting at the Collectorate.

The review was attended by Niti Aayog representative Karthik Reddy.

District collector T. Nishanti chaired the meeting, which reviewed progress in health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, skill development and infrastructure.

Officials presented reports on achievements, innovative practices, challenges and future action plans under the programme.

The collector said the aspirational districts programme has become an effective platform for accelerating development and improving governance in tribal areas. She stressed the need for better coordination among departments to ensure timely implementation of projects and effective delivery of government schemes.

ITDA project officer Aditya Varma outlined development initiatives being implemented through inter-departmental coordination, highlighting progress in education, healthcare, livelihoods and infrastructure. He also cited efforts to promote coffee and pepper cultivation and promised the ITDA's support in achieving the programme's objectives.

Karthik Reddy praised the district administration for its implementation of the programme and grassroots development initiatives. He said visits to Anganwadi centres, health facilities, schools, livelihood units, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, Rythu Seva Kendras and community libraries provided first-hand insight into the progress achieved.

He urged officials to strengthen data-driven governance, adopt innovative practices and ensure timely submission of reports.

The meeting was attended by the ITDA project officer and officials from the health, education, women and child welfare, agriculture, tribal welfare, rural development, Panchayat Raj, drinking water supply and skill development departments.