The Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), a new initiative aimed at improving the performance of blocks within districts lagging in various development parameters, is set to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 January.

• The ABP was announced by Finance Minister Nirmal Sitharaman in her 2022-23 Budget speech as an extension of the Aspirational District Programme.
• The launch of the ABP will take place during the concluding session of the second National Conference of Chief Secretaries, with the program’s introduction expected to be given by NITI Aayog CEO Parmeswaran Iyer.