NITI Aayog Partners with Piramal Foundation to ‘Transform Aspirational Districts’ Across India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a holistic approach to balanced development across the country, through effective implementation of government schemes in the Aspirational Districts, is expected to lead to an overall improvement in the Human Development Index. For this, it is imperative that all section of society come together and development in these districts turns into a mass movement.

Towards this, Niti Aayog and Piramal Foundation today entered into a Statement of Intent (SoI) to work closely with the District Collectors and Key officers to support the “Transformation of Aspirational Districts”.

Earlier this year, NITI Aayog ranked 115 Aspirational Districts selected by the Government on 6 socio-economic parameters, pertaining to Health & Nutrition, Education, Financial Inclusion and Skill Development, Agriculture and Water Resources and Basic infrastructure. NITI Aayog has highlighted multiple challenges across indicators that need to be disentangled, in order to transform these aspirational districts across states in India.

As per NITI Aayog CEO, Shri. Amitabh Kant, “All of us are committed to working towards Prime Minister, Shri Modi’s vision to streamline the efficacy of government schemes in the most backward districts of the country. For this, the aim is to create a unified team between districts, states and the center to ensure that these aspirational districts lift themselves up in all parameters. It is believed that Public-Private Partnerships, aided by technology, can bring radical transformation in the country, boosting implementation of various government schemes. NITI Aayog is delighted to partner with Piramal Foundation to implement this initiative across states.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay G. Piramal, Chairman, Piramal Group, said, “We have always believed that Innovation comes with an element of risk – and that is where the private sector can assist the government to absorb such challenges. Social impact at scale necessitates seamless Public-Private Partnerships. Piramal Foundation is delighted to partner with NITI Aayog towards supporting Prime Minister Shri Modi’s mission in these aspirational districts.”

Under the SoI with NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation will work in close conjunction with the district administration, State Prabhari Officers, Central Prabhari Officers, state government and concerned Central ministries in improving the identified indicators by strengthening the existing public systems specifically in the health & nutrition and education sectors. Piramal Foundation will provide support by focusing on leadership development, change management, technology integration and implementing various innovative practices. The collaboration is for duration of 4 years, with the option to continue, based on mutual agreement.

NITI Aayog is anchoring the programme for transformation of districts:

One of the core strategy envisaged in the programme for transformation of aspirational district is to ensure convergence of efforts of State and Central government so that District magistrates and his/her team get necessary support. While different sectoral Ministries are partnering with States to bring change, the programme is anchored with Niti Aayog.