RAS question
The Aspirational Districts Programme is led by:
Correct answer: (D) NITI Aayog.
The Aspirational Districts Programme is steered at the central level by NITI Aayog.
Explanation
The Aspirational Districts Programme was launched in January 2018 to accelerate improvement in 112 of India’s most developmentally challenged districts. The programme works across five broad areas: health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, basic infrastructure, and financial inclusion and skill development. It is not a ministry-specific scheme housed solely in the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Finance, or Ministry of Home Affairs. Its operation requires central coordination and active cooperation from state governments and district administrations. At the central level, NITI Aayog steers the programme and serves as its nodal institution.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) The Ministry of Rural Development is not the lead body; ADP spans five broad development areas and is steered centrally by NITI Aayog.
- (B) The Ministry of Finance does not lead ADP; the programme’s central steering role belongs to NITI Aayog.
- (C) The Ministry of Home Affairs is not the lead body for ADP, even though basic infrastructure is one of the programme’s focus areas.
Concept
In Indian Economy, it is important to understand the institutional structure and nodal body of government development programmes. RAS often asks about such programmes because they connect policy implementation, Centre–State coordination, and targeted district development. Study both the programme’s objective and the institution that coordinates its implementation.