Promoting Development in Aspirational Districts: Insights from the PM Gati Shakti Workshop
Pune, 9th February 2024: Deputy Director General Vinod Kumar Verma of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade inaugurated the second Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti West Regional Workshop at Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration (YASHADA) Pune, focusing on 11 aspirational districts across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Verma emphasized the need for officials in these districts to adopt an area development approach, focusing on schools, nurseries, primary health centres, and communication facilities to drive district development. He urged the acceleration of the PM Gatishakti program to facilitate this progress.
Accompanying Verma were Additional Director General Sachindra Pratap Singh of Yashada, Deputy Director General Dr Mallinath Kalshetty, Deputy Director General DK Ojha from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Joint Secretary Charushila Chaudhary from the Ministry of Planning of the Government of Maharashtra.
Verma highlighted the importance of the PM Gatishakti program in expediting infrastructure development across the country. Launched in October 2021, the program encompasses various infrastructure initiatives, with a focus on utilizing the PM Gatishakti portal to streamline information dissemination and coordination among 43 ministries and 36 departments.
Verma provided insights into the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, outlining the handbook for District Collectors on the ‘PM GatiShakti National Master Plan’. Additionally, Additional Director General Singh urged officials to extend the reach of the PM Gatishakti program to the taluka level, leveraging modern technology and enhancing public awareness.
During the workshop, demonstrations on infrastructure planning and sectoral development under the PM Gatishakti initiative were conducted. District Collectors and their representatives from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan attended the event, reflecting the collaborative efforts to foster development in aspirational districts such as Nandurbar, Washim, Dharashiv, and Gadchiroli. The workshop aimed to catalyze progress in these districts by promoting a holistic approach to infrastructure and social sector development under the PM Gatishakti program.
