Soreng district in Sikkim has secured the first position nationally in the Health and Nutrition theme under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) for the June 2026 quarter.
The district recorded a score of 78.7 on the Champions of Change Dashboard, placing it at the top of the national ranking for the theme.
Soreng also improved its overall Composite Score from 49.5 in January 2026 to 55.5 in June 2026. This improvement earned the district the third position in the overall Delta Ranking.
The district administration attributed the achievement to focused leadership, regular monitoring, coordination between departments and improved delivery of healthcare and nutrition services, particularly in remote areas.
Soreng Records Progress Across Key Health Indicators
The district’s performance reflects improvements across several important health indicators.
According to the district administration, Soreng achieved 100 per cent antenatal care registration, 99 per cent institutional deliveries and 99 per cent immunisation coverage among children below 15 years.
The district also recorded a tuberculosis treatment success rate of 97 per cent. Of the 83 patients reported under the latest figures, 81 successfully completed treatment.
These indicators form part of the Health and Nutrition theme monitored under the Aspirational Districts Programme.
The programme tracks improvements in maternal healthcare, newborn care, immunisation, tuberculosis detection and treatment, healthcare infrastructure and nutrition services.
NITI Aayog Programme Focuses on Development Outcomes
NITI Aayog launched the Aspirational Districts Programme in January 2018 to accelerate development in districts that require focused attention.
The programme monitors progress across five broad themes: Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Water Resources, Financial Inclusion and Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure.
It uses Delta Rankings to measure improvements in key performance indicators over specific periods.
Soreng’s latest ranking reflects its progress in the Health and Nutrition category during the June 2026 quarter.
The district administration said it would continue working to improve performance across all five themes.
TB Screening Reaches Remote Communities
Soreng has strengthened tuberculosis screening through the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Over nine months, the district conducted 146 Ayushman Arogya Shivirs and screened 7,636 people.
Health teams extended screening beyond hospitals and primary healthcare centres. They also reached offices, hydropower construction sites, orphanages, old-age homes and monasteries.
The initiative aimed to identify suspected cases early and connect people with appropriate testing and treatment.
The district administration has also focused on screening for non-communicable diseases.
More than 85 per cent of the target population has undergone screening for hypertension and diabetes, according to district officials.
Outreach camps, home visits and interventions in difficult-to-access areas supported the screening drive.
Hello Mann Initiative Expands Mental Healthcare
Soreng has also introduced the Hello Mann initiative to improve access to mental healthcare.
The district administration implements the programme in collaboration with the Mental Health Action Trust, Kerala.
The initiative provides free mental health services through weekly clinics at primary health centres. It also conducts home visits for patients who need additional support or cannot travel easily.
The programme has registered 112 patients and recorded 126 patient contacts, including 13 counselling contacts through camps.
At present, 91 patients remain under active treatment.
The initiative aims to bring mental healthcare closer to communities and improve access to support in remote areas.
District Administration Credits Collective Efforts
District Collector Dhiraj Subedi attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of government departments, healthcare workers, local institutions and community members.
The administration has focused on regular reviews of health indicators, coordination between departments and field-level monitoring.
It has also worked with the Health Department, Women and Child Development Department, Panchayati Raj Institutions, ASHAs, ANMs, self-help groups and community organisations.
Officials said the approach focuses on ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive essential services rather than limiting implementation to routine administrative activities.
The district administration also acknowledged the support and guidance provided by NITI Aayog.
Soreng Aims to Sustain Its National Ranking
The first position in Health and Nutrition marks an important milestone for Soreng’s development efforts.
The district administration has stated that it will focus on closing remaining gaps and sustaining progress across healthcare and nutrition indicators.
It will also continue strengthening performance in education, agriculture, financial inclusion and infrastructure.
The latest ranking places Soreng among the districts showing measurable progress under NITI Aayog’s development programme.
Officials have emphasised that continued monitoring, coordination and community participation will remain central to maintaining the gains.