SANKALP SAPTAAH (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Government Schemes)

Context: The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate a unique week-long initiative, ‘Sankalp Saptaah,’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Sankalp Saptaah

• Effective ABP Implementation: The initiative is directly tied to the successful execution of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
• Chintan Shivirs: chintan shivirs" or brainstorming sessions were conducted at both the village and block levels nationwide. The Sankalp Saptah marks the culmination of these brainstorming sessions.
• Observance: Sankalp Saptah will be observed in all 500 aspirational blocks as part of the program.
• Dedicated Themes for Each Day: The themes for the first six days include "Sampoorna Swasthya" (Complete Health), "Suposhit Parivar" (Nourished Family), "Swachhta" (Cleanliness), "Krishi" (Agriculture), "Shiksha" (Education), and "Samridhi Diwas" (Prosperity Day).
• Culminating Celebration: The last day of the week will be a celebration of the collective work carried out during the entire week, known as "Sankalp Saptah – Samavesh Samaroh."

Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)

• Launched: On January 7, 2023
• Aim: Enhancing governance and improving the quality of life in 500 Aspirational Blocks spanning 329 districts across India.
• Over half of these blocks are in 6 states: Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29) and West Bengal (29).