1 What is the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?
• ABP is a government initiative aimed at improving the quality of life in 500 of the most backward and poorest blocks in India.
2 Who is implementing the ABP?
• The Niti Aayog, a federal think tank, is responsible for implementing the ABP.
3 What are the key focus areas of the ABP?
• The program focuses on improving socio-economic indicators in areas like health, education, agriculture, drinking water, sanitation, financial inclusion, basic infrastructure, and overall social development.
4 How much funding is allocated for this fiscal year?
• Rs 100 crore is allocated for each block in this fiscal year to support initiatives aimed at enhancing governance and quality of life.
5 What is the timeframe for achieving improvements?
• A three-year timeframe has been set for achieving improvements in the specified areas.
6 How are blocks incentivized to improve?
• Blocks that show quick improvement by converging existing government schemes will receive incentives.
7 How many blocks are part of the ABP?
• The ABP includes 500 of the poorest blocks in India, with some falling in districts covered under the earlier Aspirational Districts Programme.
8 Who inaugurated the ABP program?
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ABP program and also launched the ABP portal.
9 What's the significance of the 'Sankalp Saptaah' program?
• 'Sankalp Saptaah' is a week-long program for Aspirational Blocks, attended by panchayat and block-level representatives. It aims to promote the ABP's goals.
10 Which states have the maximum number of poorest blocks under the ABP?
• Uttar Pradesh has the most with 68 blocks, followed by Bihar with 61, Madhya Pradesh with 42, Jharkhand with 34, and Odisha with 29.
