Gandhinagar, July 29
The Gujarat government hosted the 'Sampoornata Abhiyan' awards ceremony at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar to honour excellence in holistic development across the state's aspirational districts and blocks, government officials said on Tuesday.
Thirteen medals -- including gold, silver, and bronze -- were awarded to districts and blocks that excelled across key development indicators defined by the NITI Aayog.
Districts like Dahod and Narmada, and blocks such as Lakhpat, Rapar, and Tharad were lauded for achieving "saturation" in vital parameters like antenatal care registration, nutrition, soil health, diabetes and hypertension screenings, and Self-Help Groups empowerment.
Dahod district and seven blocks achieved perfection in all six indicators, earning gold medals, while others received silver and bronze based on their performance.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised the need for quality execution and 100 per cent beneficiary coverage, urging all district and block officials to strive for inclusion in future recognitions.
"People today are accustomed to better services, and it is our responsibility to meet their growing expectations," he said, highlighting the role of technology in governance and the importance of "Gujarat's GRIT" (Gujarat State Institution for Transformation) in driving development toward Viksit Bharat@2047.
Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary praised the Chief Minister's consistent focus on inclusive development in underserved areas.
NITI Aayog's Additional Secretary Rohit Kumar also applauded Gujarat's mission-mode implementation of the Aspirational District and Block programmes, originally launched by the Centre to uplift socio-economically challenged regions.
Chief Minister Patel also digitally launched 'Aakanksha Haats' in 10 districts, aimed at promoting local products under the 'Vocal for Local' initiative.
The event witnessed participation from state officials, district collectors, MLAs, and key stakeholders working toward grassroots development of the state.
Lakhpat, Rapar and Tharad are three significant blocks situated in the arid yet strategically vital regions of Gujarat.
Located in the Kutch district, Lakhpat is a sparsely populated border taluka known for its historical significance, including the 18th-century Lakhpat Fort and its proximity to the India-Pakistan border.
Despite its remoteness and harsh climate, recent development programmes have brought improved infrastructure and services to the area.
Rapar, also in Kutch, is the largest taluka in the district by area and often faces challenges related to water scarcity and connectivity.
However, it has made notable progress through targeted interventions in health, education and agriculture under the Aspirational Blocks Programme.
Tharad, in the Banaskantha district near the Rajasthan border, has traditionally been an agrarian economy vulnerable to droughts.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While the awards are good, I hope this isn't just for show. My cousin works in Dahod's health department and says ground reality still has gaps. The government must ensure these programs reach the last mile, not just award ceremonies.
The 'Aakanksha Haats' initiative is brilliant! Supporting local artisans and products will boost rural economies. Gujarat's focus on both development and preserving local culture is commendable. Jai Gujarat! 🇮🇳
As someone who visited Kutch last year, I can see the visible improvements in infrastructure. The work in Rapar block for water conservation is particularly noteworthy. More power to the local communities driving this change!
Good to see border areas getting attention. Lakhpat's development is crucial for national security too. The government should continue investing in these regions - both for citizens' welfare and strategic importance.
The focus on women's empowerment through SHGs is the real winner here! When rural women get opportunities, entire communities benefit. My didi in Narmada district says their SHG has transformed their lives. More such initiatives please!
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