Himakshi Thakuriya
(himakshithakuriya15@gmail.com)
An ‘Aspirational Economy’ is a concept that concentrates on the idea of foster-ing economic growth, innovation, and prosperity within a region. It stresses empowering individuals and communities and improving well-being through entrepreneurship, skill development, inclusive policies, etc. By encouraging ambition, education, and access to resources, an ‘Aspirational Economy’ aims to uplift societies, reduce disparities, and create an environment where people can achieve their economic aspirations, which ultimately leads to sustainable growth and improves overall quality of life.
With a view to this, the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) was launched in January 2018, which aims to effectively transform those districts that have shown relatively little progress in some key areas with poor socio-economic indicators. It focuses on grassroots strength and cooperative and competitive federalism. The 3 ‘C’s of the programme are convergence, collaboration, and competition. It includes convergence of central and state schemes, collaboration of central and state-level Prabhari officers (in the rank of joint secretary and above) and district collectors, and finally competition among districts through monthly delta ranking. The delta ranking denotes the innovative use of data with pragmatic administration, keeping the district at the centre of inclusive growth. The Government of India has identified a total of 112 districts under this programme, out of which seven are from Assam.
Assam, the northeastern jewel of India, has long been a land of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant natural resources. Yet, it has also faced several socio-economic challenges that have hindered its growth and development. The Aspirational District Programme, or the Aspirational Assam initiative by the government aimed at transforming the state into a vibrant and prosperous region, could act as a pragmatic and solution-centric counterresponse to all these issues.
The districts under the Aspirational District Programme in Assam are Darrang, Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara, Baksa, Udalguri, and Hailakandi. It is a comprehensive development programme that seeks to address the socio-economic disparities within the state and enhance the quality of life for its residents. The vision behind this initiative is to foster inclusive growth, promote sustainable development, and improve the wellbeing of the people. To achieve these goals, the programme focuses on various key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and skill development. As an institutional mechanism, a committee has been setup at the state level with the Chief Secretary as the Chairperson. The Transformation and Development Department is the Nodal Department for the State of Assam, and the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the Aspirational Districts are being considered as change agents.
All the key sectors under this initiative are discussed herewith, pros and cons.
Education: One of the fundamental pillars of aspirational Assam is the promotion of education. The ADP aims to provide quality education to every child, ensuring that no one is left behind. This involves the construction of new schools, the recruitment of skilled teachers, and the implementation of innovative teaching methods. Additionally, special attention is given to vocational training and skill development programmes to prepare the youth for a competitive job market.
Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is a basic human right, and ADP recognises this. The programme is committed to improving healthcare infrastructure and services across the state. New hospitals and healthcare facilities have been established, and efforts are ongoing to ensure that even the remotest areas have access to medical care. The initiative also emphasises preventive healthcare measures, promoting healthier lifestyles, and raising disease awareness.
Boosting Agriculture and Livelihoods: Agriculture forms the backbone of Assam’s economy, and the programme is determined to strengthen it further. The programme supports farmers through various means, including the distribution of high-yield seeds, training in modern farming techniques, and improved irrigation systems. By enhancing agricultural productivity, Assam can not only ensure food security but also generate employment opportunities and increase income levels.
Infrastructure Development: Robust infrastructure is essential for economic growth, and the ADP recognises this fact. The programme is investing heavily in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges, and railways. These improvements will not only facilitate transportation and connectivity within the state but also open up opportunities for trade and commerce with other regions.
Skill Development and Employment Generation: To empower its youth and reduce unemployment, the ADP has laid a strong emphasis on skill development programs. Vocational training centres have been established to equip young people with the skills needed for various industries. Moreover, the programme aims to attract investments in sectors such as manufacturing, IT, and tourism, which can create job opportunities for the state’s burgeoning workforce.
Moreover, Assam’s efforts in skill development have started bearing fruit, as many young people are now equipped with employable skills. Additionally, the state has attracted investments in key sectors, promising economic growth and job creation in the coming years. Despite the notable progress, this flagship programme has faced a long list of challenges, and there are some huge faultlines that should be taken care of in an effective way. Insufficient budgetary resources are a key challenge. Other factors include lack of coordination, quality education, and training. Moreover, environmental sustainability must be a key consideration, given Assam’s rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.
Additionally, maintaining the momentum of development and sustaining positive changes will require continued efforts and investments. Assam must also adapt to changing economic dynamics and technological advancements to stay competitive in the global arena. A properly institutionalised approach is needed. The execution of projects and the planning of project activities at the grassroots level require high quality, and the focus should be more on quality than quantity.
For example, if there is the construction of new schools, it should be taken care of whether the school is achieving its purpose or not. Regarding skill development and employment generation, local and small-scale industries should be highly prioritized. Asharikandi is a village in the Dhubri district of Assam, and Dhurbi belongs to the aspirational districts of Assam. Asharikandi is known for its unique terracotta culture. These types of locally based small industries that carry regional heritage may be an epicentre for ‘Aspirational Assam’. An institutionalised service delivery system is the need of the hour.
The Aspirational Districts Programme is a visionary programme, and through its focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and skill development, it has already achieved significant milestones in its journey towards progress. While challenges persist, the determination of the people of Assam, coupled with the government’s commitment to development, paints a promising picture for the future of this vibrant state. What is necessary is the creation of some intangible wealth. Infrastructure is the base, and with the proper infusion of capital investment, it can help in achieving the targeted goals. Through proper implementation of ADP, Assam may shine as an example of how targeted initiatives can catalyse positive change and uplift the lives of millions.