NEW DELHI: “Kishtwar’s remote Marwah block symbolises the aspirational rise of rural India”.
This was stated here today by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who also happens to be three-time sitting MP from Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency, while virtually addressing the NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Block programme “Sampoornta Abhiyan Samman Samaroh” at Chowgan Maidan Kishtwar.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that he could not be present at the venue because of the ongoing session of Parliament and thanked the NITI Aayog authorities for arranging for him to join virtually from the Parliament House itself.
Affirming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary ‘Aspirational Districts Programme’ had not only accelerated development in neglected regions but also raised aspirational urge among youth, by enhancing their confidence and self-esteem and thus turning challenges into opportunities.
Speaking at the special event organized to celebrate the achievements of Marwah Block in district Kishtwar , which has earned silver medal benchmark indicators, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Modi Government has redefined governance by shifting the lens from “backwardness” to aspiration, a transformation that brings dignity and purpose to development efforts.
Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed Marwa Block’s 100% saturation of key development benchmarks under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme (ADP), highlighting its exemplary performance across multiple sectors. In the health domain, the block achieved full coverage in Antenatal Care, Institutional Deliveries, Vaccination, and Maternal Mortality reduction. In agriculture, milestones were achieved through the distribution of Soil Health Cards and initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity. The empowerment of Self-HelpGroups (SHGs) was also emphasized, with progress in financial inclusion and livelihood generation. Additionally, significant strides were made in sanitation and road infrastructure, including notable achievements under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the Modi Government’s reinvigorated approach of fostering development by encouraging competition not just among districts but now among blocks and even panchayats. This scalable framework, he said, nurtures competitive cooperative federalism, where grassroots units are empowered to excel.
Recalling PM Modi’s original vision, Dr. Singh noted, “By naming previously neglected regions as ‘Aspirational’, the Prime Minister changed not just the narrative but the destiny of these areas.”
The Minister outlined the dual-phase model of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), which serves as a structured approach to development. The first phase, known as the Equalization Phase, focuses on uplifting underperforming areas to meet the national average across specific development indicators. Once this baseline is achieved, the second phase, termed the Model Creation Phase, aims to set higher benchmarks, thereby transforming these regions into examples of good governance and sustainable growth.
Citing examples of aspirational districts visited by him across India, like Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh), Namsai (Arunachal Pradesh) and Sitamarhi (Bihar) and Baramulla (J&K)—Dr. Jitendra Singh said this strategy is proven and replicable globally.
The Minister elaborated on the programme’s data-driven backbone, emphasizing its reliance on 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) spanning critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and basic infrastructure. To foster accountability and motivation, districts are subjected to monthly rankings based on their incremental progress. Central to the programme’s success is the “3Cs” model—Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition—which ensures seamless coordination across central, state, and district-level stakeholders, thereby enhancing the overall impact and efficiency of implementation
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Kishtwar is on its way to becoming North India’s power hub, attributing this transformation to the continued focus and support from the Central Government. He recalled the Prime Minister’s visit to the region soon after assuming office as a strong signal of the Centre’s commitment to the area’s development. He highlighted the exemplary progress in road connectivity under the PMGSY, with Udhampur and Kishtwar consistently ranking among the top performers nationwide. Further boosting the region’s connectivity, Kishtwar has been included in the UDAN scheme for regional airport development. The establishment of a Degree College, an Ayurvedic Hospital, and enhanced mobile network infrastructure have collectively contributed to digital empowerment and improved access to education and healthcare in the region. All the amenities had been provided on the Machail Yatra route during the Modi Govt, he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh shared the inspirational story of a young girl from Poonch who cracked the Civil Services in her first attempt, securing All India Rank 11, underscoring how aspiration and opportunity, when combined, lead to transformative change.
“In the past, even installing an electric pole was a challenge—today, we are giving solar plants and clean energy to remote hamlets,” he said.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, a vibrant exhibition showcasing local artisans and crafts was inaugurated, reflecting the government’s commitment to One District One Product (ODOP), which has brought global attention to J&K’s unique offerings.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by reiterating that ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) can only be achieved through the sincere and participative contribution of every citizen. He encouraged the youth to believe that “With a mobile phone, determination, and the right policy environment, dreams are within reach—no expensive coaching needed.”
LoP J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma and DDC Chairperson Pooja Thakur also addressed the gathering.
