REASI: In a landmark achievement for Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, Aspirational Block Thakrakote has made an extraordinary leap of 407 positions in NITI Aayog's Aspirational Blocks Ranking, climbing from rank 420 in December 2024 to rank 13 in March 2025.

This remarkable improvement reflects the block's focused progress across five core development sectors identified by NITI Aayog: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Allied Activities, Basic Infrastructure and Social Development.

The significant improvement is the result of continuous monitoring, field visits, and collaborative governance. Repeated review meetings, intensified monitoring and on-ground assessments of Thakrakote by the DC Nidhi Malik, have driven focused developmental action and improved grievance redressal mechanisms.

Among the notable successes, Thakrakote achieved 100% performance in crucial Health & Nutrition indicators such as ANC registration of pregnant women, provision of supplementary nutrition under the ICDS scheme and regular screening for diabetes and hypertension. The district also ensured that 99% of Self-Help Groups received revolving funds under livelihood promotion initiatives. In the Agriculture sector, all targeted Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were formed, every eligible farmer received soil health cards and PM-KISAN beneficiary coverage was fully linked with Aadhaar and land records. Under the basic infrastructure theme, the block reported a 16% rise in completion of housing units under PMAY-G.

To build on this success, DC Reasi Nidhi Malik chaired a high-level review meeting today with district officers to evaluate ongoing works and set a clear roadmap for pushing the block further up the rankings. Emphasis was placed on improving outcomes in Health, ICDS and Education sectors. The CMO was tasked with ensuring full functionality of all health institutions and improving the quality of healthcare services. The CEO was instructed to resolve teaching staff shortages, upgrade infrastructure, and raise the standard of education. The PO ICDS was directed to ensure timely and adequate supply of nutrition at all Anganwadi Centres.

The Deputy Commissioner also underlined the importance of accurate and real-time data reporting, directing all departments to regularly update progress on the development portal to enable better monitoring and planning. Looking ahead, a structured development framework for the financial year was proposed, focusing on improved service delivery, digital connectivity and efficient resource allocation to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Reasi Sukhdev Singh, CPO Narinder Kumar (virtually), CMO, CEO, DIO, CAHO, BDO and others.