Lucknow: Under the leadership and guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Uttar Pradesh’s Rural Development Department has achieved remarkable milestones, providing a robust foundation for the rural economy. The government has not only provided permanent housing for the underprivileged but also ensured access to essential amenities such as free electricity connections, free gas connections, Ayushman cards, and employment through MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act).
Comprehensive Rural Development Initiatives
- Housing for All:
- Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), 36.60 lakh beneficiaries have been provided permanent houses.
- Similarly, under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, 3.51 lakh families have received housing benefits.
- Employment Opportunities:
- MGNREGA job card holders are being provided work as per their demand.
- Beneficiaries constructing houses under PMAY-G are offered 90-95 days of wages under MGNREGA, ensuring a steady income during construction.
- Women Empowerment:
- Women are being made financially independent through initiatives like the Lakhpati Didis program, which is rapidly gaining momentum.
- Basic Amenities for All:
- Programs like Har Ghar Nal Se Jal and sanitation initiatives ensure basic facilities are accessible to all rural households.
Technological Advancements and Cost Savings
Uttar Pradesh has been a pioneer in using Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology in road construction under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). This innovative approach has:
- Led to significant cost savings amounting to crores of rupees.
- Attracted officials from other states for study tours, encouraging replication of this model across India.
Skill Development and Financial Empowerment
- Training Programs:
- 5,069 training programs have been conducted this year, training over 1.37 lakh participants.
- Banking Correspondents (BC Sakhi):
- 39,556 BC Sakhis have facilitated financial transactions worth ₹31,103 crore, earning a cumulative profit of ₹84.38 crore.
- Electricity Sakhis:
- 11,616 Electricity Sakhis collected ₹1,329 crore in electricity bills, earning commissions of around ₹18 crore, which is three times higher than last year’s collections.
MGNREGA Achievements
Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in several aspects of MGNREGA implementation:
- 25.20 crore person-days have been generated in the current year, making Uttar Pradesh a top performer in employment generation.
- Over ₹9,684 crore has been spent under MGNREGA in FY 2024-25.
- The female participation rate stands at an impressive 42%, which continues to rise.
- 18,810 Amrit Sarovars (lakes) have been constructed, placing the state at the top nationwide.
Additionally, MGNREGA workers receive 100% payments through Aadhaar-linked payment systems, ensuring transparency. For the first time, drones were used to monitor 2,717 projects, enhancing oversight and accountability.
Recognition and Awards
The Rural Development Department’s stellar performance has garnered widespread appreciation, including several national awards from the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Vision for the Future
Commissioner G.S. Priyadarshi emphasized that these achievements are a result of the department’s commitment to innovation, efficient implementation, and people-centric development. The initiatives are not just transforming rural Uttar Pradesh but are also setting benchmarks for the rest of the country.
With these comprehensive efforts, Uttar Pradesh is moving closer to achieving its vision of a self-reliant and prosperous rural economy.
