Lucknow, May 7 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed the senior officials to conduct on-ground assessments of the progress made in Uttar Pradesh's aspirational districts and development blocks.
During a high-level review meeting, the CM directed eight Principal Secretary and Secretary-level officers to conduct a three-day visit to the eight aspirational districts. "Likewise, 108 Special Secretary-level officers will be assigned to inspect progress in 108 aspirational development blocks. The visits aim to evaluate the tangible changes from the inception of these initiatives to the present and compile detailed reports. The CM Office will finalise the list of designated officers," he said.
He emphasised that the government's priority, aligned with NITI Aayog's vision, is to ensure that development reaches the last person in the queue. Describing the programmes as an embodiment of the 'Antyodaya' philosophy, he stressed the need for continuous monitoring and outcome-driven strategies to accelerate progress at district and block levels.
Highlighting the positive outcomes of sustained efforts and monitoring, Yogi said that six districts from UP now feature among the top ten aspirational districts nationwide.
"Balrampur, Siddharth Nagar, Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Shravasti and Fatehpur have outstanding health and nutrition performance. Similarly, in education, Balrampur, Sonbhadra, Shravasti, Siddharth Nagar Chitrakoot have secured positions among the top ten. Siddharthnagar ranks fifth nationally in the financial inclusion and skill development category," he said.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of aspirational development blocks. It was stated that the successful implementation of the Block Development Strategy has led to significant improvements.
In March 2024, the average performance of 108 aspirational blocks across 21 indicators surpassed the state average; by March 2025, this had improved across 24 indicators.
Besides, all 108 blocks outperform the state average in three indicators and the number of blocks showing low progress across 19 indicators has decreased significantly.
Terming this a significant achievement, the CM directed the officials to sustain the momentum and continue pushing for measurable, inclusive development.
He underscored the importance of ensuring clear responsibility and accountability for CM Fellows deployed in aspirational development blocks. He directed that their work be monitored every week.
Highlighting that it has been over two and a half years since their deployment, he directed that a comprehensive performance ranking be prepared upon completion of their three-year tenure.
He also announced that weightage would be given to CM Fellows in future government recruitment processes and rules are being drafted to facilitate this.
During the review meeting, Yogi said that key positions such as Block Development Officer (BDO), Chief Development Officer (CDO), Medical Officer, Veterinary Officer, ADO Panchayat and Block Education Officer must not remain vacant in aspirational districts and development blocks.
He directed that immediate appointments be made wherever vacancies exist to ensure seamless execution of development schemes.
He called for micro-planning and consistent monitoring to effectively implement government programmes in these regions.
He also stressed the importance of regular meetings of the District-Level Bankers Committee (DLBC) and State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC), highlighting the need for strong coordination with banks to promote financial inclusion.
Reaffirming the government's commitment, Yogi said that no district, block or individual should be left out of the development process.
He said that the Aspirational District and Development Block initiatives have become powerful tools to translate the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas into reality, positioning UP as a national model for inclusive growth.
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