Dr. Syed Sehrish Asghar Receives Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in Baramulla District

21-04-2023 : Dr. Syed Sehrish Asghar, a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, has achieved top honors for her exceptional execution of the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) in Baramulla District. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2018, the ADP aims to transform 112 of the most underdeveloped districts in India quickly and effectively. The program is based on the principles of Convergence (of Central & State Schemes), Collaboration (of Central, State-level Nodal Officers & District Collectors), and Competition among districts through monthly delta ranking, all driven by a mass movement.

In Baramulla District, the Aspirational District Programme has focused on key aspects such as the establishment of Birth Waiting Wards in Primary Health Centers and Community Health Centers, upgrading diagnostic services at all delivery points, and providing Poshan Tracker Tabs for all Anganwadi workers. The Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla has also supported farmers through mechanisms such as plant protection, nursery strengthening, robust root stocks, and quality planting material. Additionally, a marketing facility has been established at Sopore, which is the second-largest Fruit Mandi in Asia.

The efforts of the Aspirational District Programme in Baramulla District have yielded significant results. Severe Acute Malnutrition has been reduced to 0.01 percent from 3 percent, and Moderate Acute Malnutrition has decreased to 0.039 percent from 11.93 percent. Furthermore, a two-year paramedical diploma course has been introduced for 300 students from border areas to address critical gaps in the health sector.

In terms of financial inclusion, the Aspirational District Programme has facilitated the opening of 56,215 PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts in Baramulla District, promoting greater financial access and inclusion for the local population. Dr. Syed Sehrish Asghar’s exemplary leadership and execution of the Aspirational District Programme in Baramulla District have been recognized with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to public service and community development.