Excelsior Correspondent
PATNA, Sept 11: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions MoS (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Earth Sciences ; Minister of State PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today inaugurated the 2-day National Conference on “Holistic Development of Districts”, organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with the Government of Bihar.
Lauding the Aspirational District model introduced by the Modi Government replacing the backward district, the Minister said, “The Aspirational District model is not about backwardness; it is about competitiveness and convergence. Districts are ranked through real-time monitoring, scientific benchmarks, and a participatory, citizen-centric approach”.
The conference aims to exchange innovative governance practices, enhance officer-to-officer learning, and promote citizen-centric development across India. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary also joined the deliberations.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh praised Bihar’s steady progress, resilience, and economic growth, especially in the post-Jharkhand era, when the State lost both mineral resources and cadre strength. He credited the State Government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for effective collaboration with the Centre and hailed Patna’s rich legacy of good governance-from the days of Pataliputra and Samrat Ashok To modern democratic institutions-as both an inspiration and a challenge to meet citizens’ rising expectations.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government”, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the Aspirational Districts Programme, which has replaced the outdated term “Backward Districts” with a more positive, prestige-oriented, and aspirational identity.
“The Aspirational Districts model is not about backwardness; it is about competitiveness and convergence. Districts are ranked through real-time monitoring, scientific benchmarks, and a participatory, citizen-centric approach,” he said.
He explained that this model has transformed mindsets among administrators and citizens alike, turning governance into a dynamic, competitive mechanism.
Dr. Singh outlined the five guiding pillars for holistic District Development, emphasizing that progress must be comprehensive and inclusive. He said that development should begin with the saturation of Government schemes to the last mile, ensuring benefits reach every eligible citizen. This must be supported through convergence of efforts by the Centre, State, and Panchayati Raj Institutions, creating a seamless framework for delivery. Equally important is the active participation of all stakeholders, including citizens, to make governance truly people-centric.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the need for innovation in governance to address local challenges and stressed that successful models should be replicated across districts, thereby fostering a culture of sustainable and inclusive growth nationwide.
He shared examples of officers devising innovative, citizen-driven solutions, such as ensuring timely Ujjwala gas cylinder delivery in flood-prone areas through local panchayat coordination.
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