NONGPOH, July 9: Scores of activities marked the launch of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog’s Sampoornata Abhiyan in Umling Block, Ri-Bhoi, on Tuesday.
Sampoornata Abhiyan is a nationwide campaign that aims to achieve saturation in 12 key social sector indicators across 500 aspirational blocks and 112 aspirational districts in the country, with events organised to emphasise these key indicators.
The launch event, held at Parish Hall Nongpoh, was attended by Adviser, NITI Aayog, Surender Mehra; Nongpoh MLA, Mayralborn Syiem; Jirang MLA, Sosthenes Sohtun; Umroi MLA, Damanbait Lamare; Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, along with other officials and stakeholders.
The launch event was marked by numerous activities that included a marathon, community health centre visits, school and KVC routes, melas, street theatre, folklore music, food stalls showcasing local cuisine, poster competition for schoolchildren, selfie booths, and mandatory pledges for the Abhiyan before each activity.
During the launch event, NITI Aayog Adviser emphasised the importance of achieving specific targets monitored through key performance indicators.
He highlighted six indicators selected for achieving saturation by the end of September, noting the programme’s launch in Umling aspirational block, Ri-Bhoi District.
Mehra then heaped praises on Ri-Bhoi District’s commendable performance as an aspirational district and expressed confidence in its ability to maintain 100 per cent target achievement.
The DC, on the other hand, stressed the importance of ensuring 100 per cent immunisation to prevent untimely deaths from preventable diseases.
He outlined plans to distribute health cards to the remaining 2,400 farmers, achieving full saturation.
Baranwal also emphasised validating household access to toilets and bank accounts to foster financial inclusion, noting the campaign’s need for collective effort and technology support from all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the local legislators lauded the NITI Aayog initiative, emphasising its potential to transform Ri-Bhoi district from aspirational to inspirational by achieving 100% saturation in all six key indicators.
It may be mentioned that the key indicators for aspirational districts focus on health, nutrition, agriculture, and education, while for aspirational blocks they focus on health, nutrition, agriculture, and social development.
On the occasion, prizes were distributed among the winners of the marathon and poster competition.
A cheque of Rs 2.7 lakh, contributed by the Byrnihat Industrial Association, was also handed over for the electrification of Seiborlang SSC Umshaken.
Tokens of appreciation were also given to five beneficiaries of Soil Health Cards and five recipients of Take-Home Rations for pregnant women.