NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation ink agreement to transform Aspirational Districts

The NITI Aayog and Piramal Foundation entered into a Statement of Intent (SoI) to work closely with the District Collectors and Key officers of 'Aspirational Districts' to support their transformation in terms of healthcare, education and nutrition.

Earlier this year, NITI Aayog ranked 115 Aspirational Districts selected by the Government on six socio-economic parameters, pertaining to health and nutrition, education, financial inclusion and skill development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure. The government's think tank also highlighted multiple challenges across indicators that need to be disentangled, in order to transform these Aspirational Districts across India.

"All of us are committed to working towards Prime Minister Modi's vision to streamline the efficacy of government schemes in the most backward districts of the country. For this, the aim is to create a unified team of districts, states and the centre to ensure that these aspirational districts lift themselves up in all parameters. It is believed that Public-Private Partnerships, aided by technology, can bring radical transformation in the country, boosting implementation of various government schemes," said NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant.

Under the SoI with NITI Aayog, Piramal Foundation will work in close conjunction with the district administration, State Prabhari Officers, Central Prabhari Officers, state government and concerned Central ministries in improving the identified indicators by strengthening the existing public systems specifically in the health and nutrition and education sectors. Piramal Foundation will also provide support by focusing on leadership development, change management, technology integration and implementing various innovative practices.

The collaboration is for a duration of four years, with the option to continue, based on mutual agreement.