Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh spent an eventful morning in YSR Kadapa today as part of his three-day visit under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). The visit aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive urging Union Ministers to actively engage with aspirational districts, spending significant time on the ground to evaluate progress and guide strategies for future growth.
The Aspirational Districts Programme, launched in 2018, aims to transform underdeveloped regions into models of inclusive and sustainable development. Dr. Jitendra Singh’s visit underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to this mission.
Beginning the day with a detailed briefing on the district’s progress, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized addressing core issues such as health, nutrition, education, and infrastructure. In his remarks, he highlighted the transformative potential of collaborative governance and accountability in bridging developmental divides and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Dr. Jitendra Singh’s first stop was Nagireddipalle in C.K. Dinne Mandal, where he inspected the Ayushman Arogya Mandir a model village health and wellness clinic. This facility represents a critical step in making healthcare accessible to rural populations, ensuring that essential medical services are within reach of every citizen.
During his visit, Dr. Jitendra Singh interacted with healthcare workers and beneficiaries, gaining firsthand insights into their challenges and the transformative impact of such initiatives. He applauded the clinic’s role in addressing preventive and primary healthcare needs, which is crucial for achieving universal health coverage in rural areas.
The Minister visited the Anganwadi Centre in Buggalapalli, where he reviewed the implementation of nutrition programs aimed at combating malnutrition among children and women. The Centre’s initiatives, including midday meals, health check-ups, and nutritional education, were highlighted as vital tools for fostering a healthier community.
The Minister engaged with Anganwadi workers and local women, emphasizing the need for continued focus on child and maternal health to build a stronger foundation for future generations. Dr. Jitendra Singh’s next destination was the agricultural fields at Buggalapalli, where he observed progressive farming practices.
He visited sites showcasing tissue-cultured banana plantations, chrysanthemum cultivation, and a permanent pandal with a bottle gourd field. These innovations, supported by government programs, exemplify how modern techniques are driving productivity and enhancing farmers’ incomes.
Local farmers shared success stories of adopting these methods, underscoring the importance of government-backed agricultural advancements in ensuring sustainable rural livelihoods. The Minister also reviewed water conservation initiatives, a key component of the district’s sustainable development strategy.
Demonstrations of rainwater harvesting systems, micro-irrigation techniques, and watershed management projects highlighted the district’s commitment to preserving water resources while supporting agricultural and domestic needs.
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the community-driven approach to water management, emphasizing its role in mitigating water scarcity and ensuring long-term ecological balance. Dr. Jitendra Singh met with beneficiaries of the Namo Drone Didi scheme and engaged in a detailed interaction to understand its impact on their livelihoods.
The scheme, which aims to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by equipping them with drone technology for agricultural services, has been instrumental in providing new avenues for income generation.
Under this initiative, 15,000 Women SHGs will be equipped with drones between 2024-25 and 2025-26 to offer rental services to farmers for agricultural purposes, such as the application of liquid fertilizers and pesticides.
Each SHG is expected to earn an additional income of at least ₹1 lakh per year, fostering economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. The Minister advocated for the active utilization of the scheme to maximize its benefits and encouraged wider adoption to enhance agricultural productivity and rural development.
Throughout his engagements, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the goals of the Aspirational Districts Programme: reducing disparities, promoting inclusive growth, and empowering communities to take charge of their development journey.
He commended the collaborative efforts of district officials, local bodies, and citizens in translating these goals into tangible outcomes. Dr. Jitendra Singh’s morning engagements in YSR Kadapa provided a holistic overview of the district’s development trajectory under the Aspirational Districts Programme.
His interactions, observations, and insights will play a crucial role in shaping future strategies and ensuring that the district’s progress aligns with the broader vision of a developed and equitable India. The visit reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability across the country’s aspirational districts.