Lucknow: Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government’s unique CM Fellows programme is scripting a new chapter in rural development. Appointed across aspirational blocks of the state, these CM Fellows are not only translating the Chief Minister’s vision into action but also setting impactful precedents in education, healthcare, nutrition, agriculture, and women empowerment.
In Lakhimpur Kheri district, the CM Fellow, with support from local officials, has successfully established delivery centers at sub-health centers in Kukra and Jalalpur villages. This intervention has significantly boosted institutional deliveries, with Jalalpur now registering a 94% rate. The initiative transformed monthly deliveries in the area from merely 5–6 to an average of 20 per month, ensuring safer childbirth and improved maternal and infant health.
Innovation Through Art in Budaun
One of the most creative initiatives emerged from Salarpur block in Budaun district. CM Fellow Mayank Singh tackled the issue of limited resources at local Anganwadi and health centers by integrating Madhubani art into health awareness campaigns. Instead of expensive banners and projectors, he collaborated with women from self-help groups to create hand-painted banners carrying health messages.
This campaign not only raised awareness but also supported livelihoods, echoing the motto “Awareness with Livelihood.” The funds raised through this initiative were used to purchase growth monitoring tools for four Anganwadi centers. Moreover, the campaign led to a significant rise in the registration of pregnant women for ANC (Antenatal Care) checkups. Inspired by Singh’s initiative, local resident Mrs. Momina used ODOP’s zari-zardozi craft to create health awareness banners, eventually winning a state-level award. Future banners on TB awareness and education are also underway.
Boosting Agricultural Exports in Gorakhpur
In Brahmpur block of Gorakhpur, CM Fellow Praveen Kumar Rao focused on agricultural innovation by promoting Kala Namak rice. Through collaboration with FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations), he developed a 58-hectare cluster under the 2019 Agricultural Export Policy. This included facilitating subsidies of ₹100 per kg on Kala Namak rice seeds and ₹10 lakh in financial aid for 200 farmers.
These interventions led to a significant increase in both production and export of Kala Namak rice, ultimately boosting farmers’ incomes by nearly 1.5 times.
Digital Learning in Ballia
In Sohwan block of Ballia, CM Fellow Binod Kumar Jaiswal digitized education in the rural Primary School of Narhi by introducing smart TVs and digital classrooms. This resulted in a sharp increase in school enrollment and attendance. Student numbers rose from 148 in May 2024 to 194 by September 2024, with attendance improving to an impressive 85%.
A Blueprint for Rural Progress
The success of these CM Fellows is a direct result of CM Yogi Adityanath’s far-sighted approach to inclusive development. By focusing on grassroots innovation, the programme is nurturing young leadership and aligning it with the state’s broader goals of sustainable development and self-reliance.
From safer childbirth and innovative fundraising to smart education and enhanced agricultural exports, these Fellows are not just implementing policies—they are redefining rural governance.
With each success story, Uttar Pradesh is steadily establishing itself as a model state for integrated rural development and good governance.
