STATE TIMES NEWS
KISHTWAR: “Kishtwar’s remote Marwah block symbolises the aspirational rise of rural India”.
This was stated here on Monday 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. Singh, who represents the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency for the third consecutive term, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary Aspirational Districts Programme for not only accelerating development in neglected regions but also instilling self-confidence and ambition among the youth. He stated that the Modi Government has redefined governance by shifting focus from “backwardness” to aspiration-bringing dignity, purpose, and direction to developmental efforts.
Highlighting Marwah’s stellar performance, Dr. Singh noted the block’s 100% saturation in key indicators across sectors like health, education, agriculture, sanitation, and infrastructure. Notable achievements include full coverage in Antenatal Care, Institutional Deliveries, Vaccinations, Maternal Mortality reduction, and enhanced road connectivity under the PMGSY. The block has also shown success in agriculture through Soil Health Card distribution and productivity-enhancing initiatives, along with strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote financial inclusion and livelihoods.
Dr. Singh outlined the dual-phase model of the Aspirational Districts Programme the Equalization Phase, aimed at bringing regions to national average benchmarks, followed by the Model Creation Phase which sets higher standards for governance and sustainable growth. The program, driven by 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), relies on a data-centric approach and monthly rankings to foster accountability and performance.
He emphasized the “3Cs” framework-Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition-as the backbone of the program, promoting efficiency through inter-departmental coordination and healthy competition among districts, blocks, and panchayats.
Highlighting Kishtwar’s growing significance, Dr. Singh said it is set to become North India’s power hub due to focused infrastructure and energy investments by the Centre. He mentioned the inclusion of Kishtwar in the UDAN scheme, and the establishment of a Degree College, Ayurvedic Hospital, and enhanced digital and mobile connectivity, especially along the Machail Yatra route.
Sharing an inspirational story of a young girl from Poonch who cracked the UPSC with AIR 11, Dr. Singh reiterated that opportunity, when matched with aspiration, leads to transformation-even without costly coaching.
An exhibition showcasing local artisans under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative reflected the region’s cultural richness.
Dr. Singh concluded by reaffirming that Viksit Bharat will be achieved through the active participation of every citizen, especially the empowered youth. LoP J&K Assembly Sunil Sharma and DDC Chairperson Pooja Thakur also addressed the gathering.