How Did Jharkhand’s Chatra Achieve the Top Spot in NITI Aayog’s Delta Ranking?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chatra district topped the NITI Aayog Delta Ranking among 112 aspirational districts.
- Significant progress achieved in health, nutrition, education, and infrastructure.
- Performance-based incentive of Rs 10 crore awarded to boost further development.
- Success attributed to coordinated efforts by district administration and community.
- Recognition of Garhwa district in the education sector.
Ranchi, June 27 (NationPress) Chatra district in Jharkhand has claimed the leading position in the Delta Ranking among 112 aspirational districts nationwide, as revealed by NITI Aayog during an online review meeting on Friday.
This ranking signifies the advancements made by districts in March 2025 under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), initiated by the Centre in 2018 to promote development in lagging areas.
The Jharkhand government credited Chatra’s success to the collaborative efforts, innovative strategies, and effective execution of welfare initiatives by the district administration and various departments.
NITI Aayog commended the district's comprehensive progress, noting remarkable enhancements in crucial sectors such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and infrastructure.
As part of this recognition, Chatra is set to receive a performance-based reward of Rs 10 crore from NITI Aayog—a monthly incentive aimed at furthering development efforts at the grassroots level.
Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree praised the district’s administrative team, departmental officials, public representatives, and the local community.
“This achievement is a source of pride for all. It showcases our collective commitment and ongoing efforts in fostering development throughout the district,” she remarked, emphasizing the need to sustain and enhance their performance in the future.
Moreover, Garhwa district in Jharkhand was recognized as the top-performing district in the education sector.
The Aspirational Districts Programme identifies 112 of India’s most underdeveloped districts and evaluates them monthly based on improvements across five primary sectors: Health and Nutrition (30% weightage, 31 data points); Education (30% weightage, 14 data points); Agriculture and Water Resources (20% weightage, 12 data points); Financial Inclusion and Skill Development (10% weightage, 16 data points); and Basic Infrastructure (10% weightage, 8 data points).