Union ministers reach out to backward districts

NEW DELHI: Union ministers have started visiting “aspirational districts” earmarked by Niti Ayog on the basis of backwardness and held meetings with locals and district administration to “handhold” them for addressing their problems.

While the main aim is to get ground reports on issues plaguing these districts, the earnestness being shown by the ministers makes it clear the aim is also to educate the masses about the Centre’s welfare programmes ahead of the next general elections.

PM Narendra Modi is monitoring the progress of this effort. Tata Trusts and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will do periodic surveys to study the progress made in these districts.


PM has called for making a concerted effort to achieve visible results by April 14 — the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar.