New blocks in Odisha included in Aspirational Blocks Programme

In a significant development, as many as 11 new blocks from Odisha have been included in the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) by NITI Aayog. 

With this addition, a total of 40 blocks in the State are now part of the scheme aimed at accelerating development in backward regions.

According to the official notification released by NITI Aayog on Tuesday, as many as five blocks from Keonjhar district - Champua, Jhumpura, Keonjhar Sadar, Patna, and Telkoi and as many as six blocks from Mayurbhanj district - Bahalda, Bijatola, Jamda, Kusumi, Rairangpur, and Tiring - have been added to the programme.

This inclusion follows a formal request made by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, urging NITI Aayog to incorporate these blocks under the Aspirational Blocks Programme. Accepting his request, the central policy think tank issued the updated list today.

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The Aspirational Blocks Programme aims to foster rapid development through the convergence of central and state schemes, focusing on key social and economic indicators. Under the programme, blocks are ranked based on performance metrics, creating a competitive environment that encourages faster development in underperforming regions.

The addition of these 11 blocks is expected to accelerate development in the remote and tribal-dominated areas of Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts, enhancing access to quality healthcare, education, nutrition, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities.