Prayagraj: Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Keshav Prasad Maurya, emphasized that the state government is fully committed to making women self-reliant and empowered. He stated that the Rural Livelihood Mission has taken effective and positive steps to enhance women’s livelihoods. As a result, women’s income has increased, and their respect and dignity in society have grown. Maurya made these remarks while addressing the FPO Conclave held at the Mahakumbh Mela grounds in Prayagraj.
Maurya, as the Chief Guest, distributed cheques and certificates of various schemes to the members of self-help groups (SHGs) during the FPO Conclave organized by the Rural Development Department in the Prayagraj Mahakumbh Mela area. He also visited the exhibition on agricultural-based livelihoods during the conclave.
He mentioned that the state government, under the Uttar Pradesh Rural Livelihood Mission, is working to organize women farmers and increase their incomes. He announced the development of 10 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) as model FPOs to encourage women farmers to collect and sell their products. This initiative aims not only to empower women farmers but also to promote innovation and productivity in the agricultural sector.
The event was also attended by State Minister of Rural Development, Vijay Lakshmi Gautam, other prominent public representatives, Mission Director of the State Rural Livelihood Mission, Deepa Ranjan, and several other senior officials.
In addition, the Deputy Chief Minister performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the establishment of statues of Bharat Ratna former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, architect of Antyodaya Shri Deendayal Upadhyaya, and the symbol of spiritual culture and pride of Prayagraj, Shri Ashok Singhal, at the Prerna Park area at Balason Chowk in Prayagraj.
Maurya also participated in a workshop organized by the Heartfulness Mission at the Heartfulness Kumbh Mela camp in the Mahakumbh 2025 area, where he shared his thoughts on the Heartfulness approach with public representatives and senior citizens. He explained that Heartfulness is a 100-year-old tradition, emphasizing that it is about feeling emotions. Heartfulness Meditation balances the heart and mind, leading to mental peace, balance, and clarity. He appealed to the public to adopt this practice to maintain physical health and well-being.
