Farming, fin inclusion weakest spots in aspirational districts plan: study

Most districts are 40-90% off target; Initiatives on water resources and skill development also need much attention

Agriculture and financial inclusion are the two main weaknesses in the much-talked about aspirational districts programme of the Central government, as most of the districts are 40-90 per cent away from their targets, though they have fared much better on health and education, an independent study of the scheme has shown.

The study, conducted by the US-based Social Progress Imperative (SPI) and the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC), India, showed that apart from agriculture and financial inclusion, initiatives on water resources and skill development are two other parameters that need greater attention in the ADP programme going forward.

The aspirational districts