Jaipur : A two-day ‘Aspirational Blocks National Conference’ commenced at the Rajasthan International Center, with Shri Ramnath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, serving as the chief guest. The keynote address was delivered by Shri Abhay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, and Co-chairman of the organizing committee, Shri Sitaram Gupta. The conference was inaugurated by Shri Abhay Kumar with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony.
Strengthening NGO Efforts for Water Challenges in Aspirational Blocks
In his keynote address at the conference, Shri Abhay Kumar engaged directly with the participating NGOs, discussing the water-related challenges they face in their districts and exploring possible solutions. He raised concerns about the declining land levels in Rajasthan and urged society, the government, and NGOs to collaborate in recharging the groundwater levels. Additionally, he instructed the organizers to identify interested organizations within the 27 Aspirational Blocks and develop a roadmap for collective action. To strengthen efforts, he promptly formed a dedicated group comprising organizations working in these Aspirational Blocks to address water issues, pledging his own involvement to facilitate solutions and provide direct government assistance.
Aspirational Districts and Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s Impact
The Chief Guest, Shri Ramnath Thakur, participated in the conference virtually, where he highlighted the significant progress made in aspirational districts over the past year, especially in education and health. He commended the government’s efforts in these sectors, which have contributed to improving human development indicators. Shri Thakur also spoke about the vital role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in empowering farmers by providing them with essential knowledge and resources. Emphasizing the need to build on this success, he encouraged stakeholders to expand initiatives and deepen their impact, particularly in strengthening agricultural practices and uplifting rural communities.
Aspirational Blocks and Rural Economy for ‘Viksit Bharat’
Shri Sitaram Gupta emphasized the importance of “Aspirational Blocks,” which focus on key Human Development Indicators (HDIs) such as health, education, and livelihoods, highlighting the critical role of human capital in driving progress. He underscored that the rural economy serves as the growth engine of India, playing a pivotal role in achieving the vision of a developed Bharat. By strengthening the foundation of rural communities and addressing HDIs, Shri Gupta believes the dream of a “Viksit Bharat” can be realized, with holistic development and inclusive growth at its core.
The conference will extend into the following day, with the goal of fostering collaboration and addressing key issues in aspirational blocks. It is hoped that the Aspirational Blocks National Conference will meet its objectives, driving progress in sectors like health, education, and rural development for a more inclusive India.
