Ferozepur first in aspirational district ranking, gets Rs 7 cr

Our Correspondent

Ferozepur, December 20

The border district of Ferozepur has ranked first amongst 112 aspirational districts in the country under the ‘Champions of Change’ programme of the NITI Aayog. Following this, it has been given an additional grant of Rs 7 crore for various development schemes.

As per information, the ranking is based on performance indicators and other parameters developed by the Aayog in the fields of health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development, besides basic infrastructure.

It is pertinent to mention that the Aayog had earlier identified 112 aspirational districts all over the country to develop them at par with the best districts in the state and eventually in the country, for which special funds had been provided.

As per a communiqué issued by Amitabh Kant, CEO of Niti Aayog, the district had performed excellently in September and October, due to which it had been provided additional funds. Gurpal Singh Chahal, Deputy Commissioner, said he had received the information and the administration was preparing a plan of action and project proposals to utilise the funds as per the guidelines of the programme. Various innovative measures had been taken to improve the district’s performance in various parameters, he added.