Basti district in Uttar Pradesh has a lot to cheer about this year. Under the stewardship of IAS officer Andra Vamsi, Basti has been selected as the best-performing district in India in the ‘High-focus Large States-Moderate Wealth Level’ category for the 7th JRD Tata Memorial Award. 

This prestigious recognition, bestowed by the Population Foundation of India, not only acknowledges the district’s outstanding achievements but also comes with financial support of Rs. 2,00,000, highlighting the remarkable strides made by the district in various health and development indicators.

Mr. Vamsi, who is the District Magistrate, shared exclusive details with Indian Masterminds.

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VISIONARY STEPS

The 2011-batch IAS officer has played a pivotal role in orchestrating positive changes in Basti. The JRD Tata Memorial Award, established in 1996 in memory of the visionary industrialist JRD Tata, reflects the commitment of Basti administration towards advancing gender-sensitive population, health, and development policies.

METRICS OF SUCCESS

The award was the result of a comprehensive assessment of 20 indicators impacting women and adolescent health, conducted by an eminent, independent technical advisory committee.

These indicators encompassed various dimensions such as adolescent health, reproductive health, gender equity, family planning, water, sanitation, hygiene, women’s empowerment, gender-based violence, and fertility levels.

Mr. Vamsi said, “Basti’s exceptional progress in these parameters, as measured by the National Family Health Survey-5 and the Sample Registration System, has set a benchmark for districts across the nation.”

HEALTH INDICATORS

The district has also witnessed a significant improvement in key health indicators.

Anaemia among women and adolescent girls has seen a substantial reduction, from 55.7% to 39.9% and 58.9% to 41.1%, respectively. Full immunization, stunting in children, and contraceptive prevalence rates have shown impressive gains, demonstrating the district’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

The achievements extend beyond health indicators, with Basti district making noteworthy progress in empowering women and ensuring reproductive rights.

The reduction in child marriage, teenage child-bearing, and high birth order showcases the success of initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and family planning.

HYGIENE IMPROVEMENTS

Apart from health outcomes, Basti district, under Mr. Vamsi’s guidance, has made substantial strides in improving infrastructure and hygiene. The percentage of households using improved sanitation facilities has increased significantly, reflecting a commitment to creating a healthier living environment.

Furthermore, menstrual hygiene product usage among young women has more than doubled, emphasizing the district’s dedication to addressing women’s specific health needs.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Data received by the officer showcases some key achievements achieved by the district. These include –

• Anaemia among women (15-49 years) reduced to 39.9% from 55.7%

• Anaemia among adolescent girls (15-19 years) reduced to 41.1% from 58.9%

• Full immunisation has improved from 57.5% to 73.8%

• Stunting in children (under 5 years) has reduced from 48.9% to 35.9%

• Spacing method in family planning has increased from 18.71% to 47.6%

• Contraceptive prevalence rate has increased from 18.3% to 72%

• Unmet family planning needs for women have reduced from 29.9% to 11.1%

• Child marriage has reduced from 28.3% to 15.9%

• Teenage child-bearing has reduced from 1.3% to 1.0%

• High birth order (women bearing 3 or more children) has reduced from 4.6% to 2.6%

• Ante-natal care visits (at least 4) among women has increased from 19.8% to 31.5%

• Post-natal care within 48 hours of childbirth has increased from 50.6% to 83.8%

• Average out of pocket expenditure for maternal care has reduced to Rs. 2062/- from Rs. 4428/-

• Safe (assisted) childbirth has improved to 92% from 76.6% and institutional deliveries has

increased from 60.5% to 79.2%

• Households using improved sanitation facilities has improved to 64.2% from 18.7%

• Menstrual hygiene product usage among young women has improved to 73.3% from 35.4%

COLLECTIVE EFFORTS

The achievements of Basti district are a testament to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved. The period under review, from 2015-16 to 2019-21, saw consistent and concerted efforts to bring about positive change.

The dedication of the administrative machinery, healthcare professionals, and the community itself has played a pivotal role in the district’s transformation.

IAS officer Andra Vamsi’s leadership has not only earned Basti district the coveted JRD Tata Memorial Award but has also positioned it as a model for holistic development. The district’s success serves as an inspiration for other regions to prioritize health, gender equality, and overall well-being as pillars of progress.

Basti’s journey reaffirms the transformative power of visionary leadership and collective efforts in shaping a brighter future for communities.