Gadchiroli, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated the administration, social organizations, and residents of Gadchiroli on Wednesday for the district’s remarkable achievement in securing the top position in NITI Aayog’s Delta Ranking for the April-June 2026 quarter.
This quarterly assessment is part of NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Program, which evaluates districts based on key human development indicators. Gadchiroli outperformed all other districts in India, with Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir coming in second.
In a post on X, CM Fadnavis attributed this historic success to advancements in various sectors, including water conservation, healthcare, women’s education, and industrial skill development. He emphasized that structural reforms and targeted government interventions were pivotal to the district’s top performance.
“Under major water conservation initiatives, over 6,000 water storage structures have been constructed across the district as part of the rejuvenated Jalyukt Shivar campaign and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY). This has significantly improved local groundwater levels, enhanced agricultural productivity, and bolstered rural water security,” Fadnavis explained.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the expansion of separate toilet facilities for girls in primary and secondary schools in remote tribal areas to reduce dropout rates and promote institutional sanitation. He noted that there has been a significant acceleration in the authentication of Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, streamlining Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and strengthening rural financial inclusion.
Fadnavis mentioned that advanced vocational courses have been introduced at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in collaboration with major corporate partners like Mahindra, Lloyds, and Tata Trusts. Targeted improvements were made at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), along with nutrition programs for pregnant women.
Emphasizing collective efforts, the Chief Minister praised the coordinated work of the district administration, grassroots health workers, social organizations, private partners, and the citizens of Gadchiroli.
“This achievement is a testament to what dedicated governance, corporate partnerships, and public participation can achieve. Gadchiroli’s rise to the top of NITI Aayog’s Delta Ranking proves that even historically challenging regions can lead the way in sustainable development with determination. I congratulate every official, partner organization, and citizen who contributed to this historic victory,” he stated.
Fadnavis reiterated the commitment to maintaining this momentum, ensuring that Gadchiroli continues to advance in social, educational, and economic empowerment.
The recognition from NITI Aayog comes as Fadnavis envisions transforming Gadchiroli into India’s premier “Green Steel Hub.” This marks a significant shift for a district previously known for Maoist insurgency and underdevelopment.
Highlighting the region’s abundant mineral resources, including high-quality iron ore, manganese, and limestone, he asserted that Gadchiroli will lead the country in clean, environmentally friendly steel production.
The state government is promoting large-scale industrialization in Vidarbha, aiming for a steel production capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) centered around Gadchiroli. Industrial projects in the district are being integrated with sustainable, low-emission technologies, positioning Gadchiroli as a starting point for India’s green steel revolution.
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