KADAPA (Andhra Pradesh), Jan 2: During his visit to Kadapa district as part of the “Aspirational Districts Programme” (ADP), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh conducted an in-depth review of developmental initiatives.
The review highlighted outstanding achievements in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and financial inclusion, positioning YSR Kadapa as a model district under the initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. Dr. Singh praised the district’s remarkable progress in enhancing socio-economic indicators.
The Minister underscored the significance of targeted interventions and collaborative governance, which have played a crucial role in elevating YSR Kadapa to one of the top-performing districts in Andhra Pradesh. The district proudly boasts a 100% institutional delivery rate, exceeding both state and national averages, and has effectively reduced Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in children under six to just 0.6%. With full immunization coverage now at 99% for children aged 9-11 months and 96% of pregnant women receiving antenatal care during their first trimester, YSR Kadapa has established benchmarks in maternal and child health. These successes result from the effective implementation of flagship programs like POSHAN Abhiyaan and Ayushman Bharat, supported by a strong local health infrastructure.
In the education sector, the district reports a 100% availability of functional drinking water, electricity, and toilet facilities in schools. All students receive their textbooks within a month of the academic year’s start, with transition rates from primary to secondary education standing at an impressive 98%. Female literacy has also risen to 72.3%. Initiatives under the PM SHRI scheme aimed at creating advanced learning environments have further bolstered educational outcomes, promoting holistic development among students.
Agriculture in YSR Kadapa has experienced significant advancements through the adoption of modern practices and technologies. Micro-irrigation now encompasses 65.17% of the net sown area, up from 41.59% in 2018, and 6,950 soil health cards distributed this year have equipped farmers with vital information to optimize their yields. Programs for artificial insemination and animal vaccination have boosted productivity in allied sectors. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, ₹126 crores have been allocated to 2,10,481 farmers, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods.
The district has made significant strides in infrastructure development. Almost 95% of households now have access to tap water through the Jal Jeevan Mission, providing safe drinking water to over 2.7 lakh families. Housing initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) have delivered pucca homes to more than 96,000 families across both rural and urban areas, with investments surpassing ₹1,159 crores. Moreover, YSR Kadapa has achieved full connectivity through all-weather roads, improving access for remote communities and facilitating better economic opportunities.
Efforts towards financial inclusion have empowered residents with the opening of 2.59 lakh Jan Dhan accounts, 94.7% of which are linked to Aadhaar. Mudra loans totaling ₹825 crores have invigorated the entrepreneurial spirit among small business owners, while skill development programs under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana have certified over 17,500 youth, enhancing their employability and contributing to the district’s economic progress.
During his visit, Dr. Jitendra Singh recognized the district’s achievements as a reflection of the effectiveness of the Aspirational Districts Programme. He noted that the convergence of various government schemes, real-time data monitoring, and community engagement has fostered a sustainable development model.
Dr. Singh instructed the district administration to conduct workshops aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of various Central Government schemes. He emphasized the necessity for effective outreach, particularly in rural and remote areas, to inform the public about the opportunities and resources available under these schemes. The workshops will act as a bridge between policy formulation and grassroots implementation, ensuring that the intended beneficiaries can access these schemes efficiently and seamlessly.
The Minister stressed the importance of major schemes such as PM Suryaghar, PM Kisan, and PM Vishwakarma, which aim to empower different segments of society. He called for active participation from public representatives to boost public involvement and effective implementation of these initiatives. Highlighting the critical role of collaboration, he encouraged all stakeholders to unite in maximizing benefits for the intended beneficiaries.
Dr. Jitendra Singh urged the replication of best practices from YSR Kadapa in other aspirational districts across India, advocating for balanced national development. He assured ongoing support from the central government to maintain the district’s positive trajectory. The transformative journey of the district, driven by a combination of policy innovation and grassroots implementation, serves as an inspiration for other regions, aligning with the nation’s goal of achieving holistic and inclusive growth.
