Keran Block in Kupwara district has secured Rank No. 1 in the country in the Delta Ranking of the Aspirational Blocks Programme for Quarter 4, covering January to March 2026. The achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for the remote border block, which stood at Rank 471 when the programme’s first Delta Ranking for Quarter 1 of 2023–24 was released.Located in one of the most remote border regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Keran has historically faced development challenges arising from difficult terrain, limited infrastructure and geographical isolation. It is also known as an offbeat tourist destination with growing potential. Despite these constraints, sustained efforts by the district administration, line departments, frontline workers, Panchayati Raj Institutions and local communities helped the block emerge as the best-performing Aspirational Block in India.

The Aspirational Blocks Programme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 7, 2023, during the second National Conference of Chief Secretaries. Under the initiative, 500 blocks across 27 states and four Union Territories were identified for focused development through improved governance, convergence of existing schemes, outcome-based planning and continuous monitoring. Progress is assessed across five key themes: Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied Services, Basic Infrastructure, and Social Development.Health, Nutrition and Education: Keran recorded major progress in maternal and child healthcare, preventive screening, immunization and nutrition. The block achieved 100 per cent institutional deliveries, 100 per cent Antenatal Care registrations within the first trimester, 100 per cent immunization coverage and a 100 per cent tuberculosis treatment-success rate. All 2,450 members of the identified target population were screened for Non-Communicable Diseases.

One Sub-Centre and one Medical Aid Centre were upgraded into Health and Wellness Centres, strengthening access to........

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