Innovative District Practices Showcased in Visakhapatnam Seminar
On March 9, 2026, NITI Aayog hosted a Regional Best Practices Seminar in Visakhapatnam, focused on the Aspirational Districts Programme and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ADP/ABP). This important gathering saw senior officials from the Central Government, various State Governments, and district administrations come together to explore innovative practices that have been effectively implemented in southern India.
The seminar aimed to highlight successful, replicable innovations that have significantly improved development outcomes in various districts and blocks. In his keynote address, Shri Rohit Kumar, the Additional Secretary and Mission Director (ADP/ABP) at NITI Aayog, commended the progress of these programs. He emphasized the importance of community involvement and collaboration among departments, aiming to transform the initiative into a ‘Jan Andolan’ or people’s movement. He also recognized that many development indicators are approaching saturation levels, celebrating the notable achievements of southern states.
Among the attendees were key figures such as Shri Anant Shankar, the Joint Secretary of the Planning Department in Andhra Pradesh, along with District Collectors and officials from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Thematic Sessions Highlight Innovative Practices
The seminar was structured around three thematic technical sessions that focused on district-led initiatives in Education and Skill Development; Health, Nutrition and Social Development; and further Skill Development. In the first session, districts showcased inventive programs like the NIRMAN initiative from Alluri Sitarama Raju district, aimed at enhancing foundational learning. Another highlight was the Rural Incubation Centre model from NTR district, which fosters innovation and entrepreneurship among local youth.
The second and third sessions shed light on notable health and nutrition initiatives. The Anaemia Mukt campaign from Bidar district provided solutions for combatting anaemia in women and children, while the Amma Rakshitha program from Nirmal district focused on improving maternal health. Additionally, the District Collector of Kurnool district presented various local strategies to enhance the skills of the district’s youth.
Emphasis on Collaboration and Documentation
Discussion during the seminar reaffirmed the significance of peer learning among districts. Participants stressed the need for thorough documentation of successful models and scaling initiatives that address local challenges, thereby strengthening the impact of the ADP and ABP.
As a key event highlight, the participants unveiled the Best Practices Compendium, which captures impactful initiatives from across southern states. This valuable resource serves as a repository of models that can be replicated to enhance service delivery and developmental outcomes within Aspirational Districts and Blocks.
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