Modi interacts with Mankote officer in Jammu region
*Officer gives briefing on vaccination programme
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Sept 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with three Block-level officers including the one from Mankote in Poonch district of Jammu region while launching a unique week-long programme for Aspirational Blocks in the country called ‘Sankalp Saptaah’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
He also launched the Aspirational Blocks Programme Portal and inaugurated the exhibition showcased on the occasion.
Interacting with Dr Sajied Ahmed, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon from Mankote in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, Modi narrated his closeness with the Gurjars of the region as they always reminded him of the habitants of Kutch (in Gujarat where Modi served as Chief Minister for nearly 13 years).
Dr Sajied Ahmed explained the problems of migrating tribal animal husbandry folks and told the Prime Minister about the ways of limiting problems and damage during migration.
He also spoke about his personal experiences.
Narendra Modi asked about the difference between classroom knowledge and experience on the ground.
The Veterinary Assistant Surgeon narrated the sturdy local breeds that were ignored in the classrooms. He informed the Prime Minister about the vaccination campaign for foot and mouth disease. He also gave briefing on massive uptake of vaccine in the area.
The Prime Minister narrated his closeness with the Gurjars of the region saying they always reminded him of the habitants of Kutch in Gujarat State.
Poonch and its neighbouring Rajouri districts in Jammu region have large population of Gurjars, who are called as Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir. They enjoy Scheduled Tribe status here and were given 10 percent reservations in the Legislative Assembly (nine out of 90 seats) for the first time in the Legislature history following abrogation of special status of erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also interacted with Ranjana Agarwal, a school teacher from Baheri, Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh and Makehenchard Ch Momin, Junior Rural Development Officer Resubelpara in Garo region of Meghalaya.
The Prime Minister said the Aspirational Districts Programme that ushered in change in 112 districts will form the basis of the programme to uplift aspirational blocks, adding that he will be back next year to review its success.
He said the Aspirational Districts Programme changed the lives of more than 25 crore people in 112 districts.
These aspirational districts have now become “inspirational districts”, he added.
“The Aspirational Districts Programme has changed the lives of more than 25 crore people in 112 districts of the country. There has been a change in their quality of life,” Modi said.
“Similarly, in the next one year, out of the 500 aspirational blocks, at least 100 will become inspirational blocks,” the Prime Minister said as he urged officials of different Ministries to pick 100 blocks and bring those above the national average on various parameters.
“I am sure, in 2024, we will meet again in October-November … And evaluate the success (of the programme). I will talk to you again next year in October-November,” he told the audience, which included Government officials, besides people’s representatives from approximately 3,000 Panchayats and blocks and functionaries from all corners of the country.
Around two lakh individuals, including block- and Panchayat-level functionaries, farmers and locals are said to have virtually joined the event.
During the event at Bharat Mandapam, Modi said the venue that hosted top world leaders and witnessed discussions on global matters a month ago is now hosting a programme to discuss issues of the grassroots level, with the participation of people from far-flung places in the country.
Modi also stressed on the importance of the optimum utilisation of resources, convergence and public participation for development at the grassroots level.
“Very few people get the chance to run a Government for as long as I have. And I say from experience that it is not only that the budget brings change, if we ensure optimum utilisation of resources and convergence, then work can be done without any fresh funds coming in for the blocks,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister launched the nationwide Aspirational Blocks Programme on January 7. The programme aims to improve governance and public services delivery at the block level to enhance the quality of life of citizens. It is being implemented in 500 blocks of 329 districts across the country.
Each day of the ‘Sankalp Saptaah’, from October 3 to October 9, is dedicated to a specific development theme on which all aspirational blocks will work.
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