Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha today chaired a meeting to review the progress of the transformation of 115 Aspirational Districts.

The meeting was attended by the Prabhari Officers, the officer in-charge coordinating the exercise for transformation of 115 aspirational districts along with the Secretaries and representatives from 12 Union ministries.

In his remarks, Mr Sinha called upon the Prabhari Officers to be the catalysts of change for all round development of the aspirational districts. He stressed the need to come out with innovative ways to address the issues in these districts.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that NITI Aayog will be undertaking overall co-ordination of the exercise and that there is need to set up an institutional mechanism for oversight and faster implementation of schemes in the aspirational districts.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant outlined the priorities, challenges and the road ahead for the aspirational districts. He urged the officials to work in close co-ordination with the state Government and evolve mechanisms for effective implementation of Government programs in a time bound manner.

Health Secretary Preeti Sudan said that the ministry will share health indicators and HMIS data so that the progress of health and nutrition related schemes in the identified districts can be monitored properly.

She emphasized the importance of convergence of the efforts of ASHA, ANM and Anganwadi workers.

Rural Development Secretary Amarjeet Sinha said, the social capital can make a remarkable difference given the fact that 8603 Gram Panchayats are covered in the Aspirational Districts. He stressed the need to expand the Self Help Groups in these districts for a better outcome.

Secretary School education, Secretary Skill Development, Secretary Tribal Affairs, Secretary Power along with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Agriculture, Water Resources, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Women and Child Development, Department of Financial Services also addressed the gathering.