Lucknow/New Delhi: In a high-level meeting aimed at accelerating rural development initiatives, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya met Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi. The meeting brought together senior officials from both the Centre and the state to deliberate on effective implementation and better coordination of key schemes.
During the interaction, Maurya presented products made by women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting their quality and potential. Discussions were held on enhancing branding, marketing, and expanding access to national markets for these products. Chouhan appreciated the state’s efforts under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, which aims to economically empower women and promote self-reliance.
A major focus of the meeting was on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, particularly the timely payment of wages and pending dues to workers. The Union Minister assured that funds for wage payments would be released promptly, and that administrative and material cost payments would also be prioritised. Both sides also discussed strengthening the SNA Sparsh system to improve transparency and speed in fund disbursement.
On the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin, Maurya informed that the survey of eligible beneficiaries in the state has been completed and emphasized the need for early allocation of housing targets. Responding positively, Chouhan assured that the required targets would be provided on priority to facilitate timely construction of rural houses.
The meeting also addressed the expansion of rural road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Uttar Pradesh proposed reducing the population eligibility criterion from 500 to 250 to connect more habitations with all-weather roads. The Union Minister assured that approvals under Phase IV of the scheme would be expedited, while ongoing projects under Phase III would be completed at the earliest.
Women empowerment and livelihood enhancement under the National Rural Livelihood Mission were also discussed in detail. Maurya highlighted the state’s progress under Mission Shakti, emphasizing the vision of “Empowered Women, Secure Society.” Chouhan reiterated that there would be no shortage of funds for livelihood initiatives and stressed the importance of strengthening human resources for effective implementation.
Both leaders agreed on the need for continued coordination between the Centre and the state to ensure faster execution of welfare schemes. It was also decided that follow-up meetings would be held to review progress and address emerging challenges.
The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to accelerating rural development, strengthening grassroots economies, and ensuring inclusive growth through well-coordinated policy implementation.
