New Delhi: In a significant move to accelerate progress in some of the nation’s most socio-economically challenged regions, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) today notified the appointment of Central Prabhari Officers for districts under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). Odisha’s Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, and Nuapada districts are among those to benefit from this high-level central oversight.
Shri Vir Vikram Yadav, currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, has been allotted Dhenkanal district. His expertise in environmental governance and policy is expected to bring a focused approach to sustainable development initiatives in the district.
Kalahandi, a district identified for its developmental needs, will now be under the direct supervision of Smt. Anita Karn, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) Officer. Her background in forest and environmental management could prove crucial in harnessing the district’s natural resources for inclusive growth.
Nuapada district has been allocated to Shri Samar Nanda, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Officer. His experience in financial and revenue matters is anticipated to bolster efforts in financial inclusion and economic upliftment within the district.
Further strengthening the central government’s commitment to the ADP, Shri R. Vineel Krishna, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, has also been appointed as a Central Prabhari Officer for an Aspirational District, Balangir.
His appointment underscores the multi-sectoral approach of the ADP, recognizing the importance of youth development and sports in overall societal progress.
The Aspirational Districts Programme, a flagship initiative launched by NITI Aayog in 2018, aims to rapidly and effectively transform 112 underdeveloped districts across India.
The program operates on the principles of Convergence (of Central and State Schemes), Collaboration (between Central, State, and District administrations), and Competition among districts through monthly “delta rankings.” The appointment of senior officers as Central Prabhari Officers is a core component of this strategy, providing direct mentorship, monitoring, and problem-solving capabilities at the district level.
These high-profile appointments are expected to infuse new energy and expertise into the development efforts in these crucial districts, fostering a more direct link between central policymaking and grassroots implementation.
The proactive involvement of senior bureaucrats is a testament to the government’s resolve to ensure that no region is left behind in India’s growth story, aligning with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, aur Sabka Vishwas” (Together, for everyone’s growth, with everyone’s trust).