Lucknow : What was once a leaky thatched roof during monsoons and a sweltering metal sheet in the summers is now turning into a permanent, dignified home for Ruby, the first beneficiary of the Yogi Adityanath government’s ambitious ‘Zero Poverty Campaign’. Hailing from Silouli village in Gosainganj, Ruby’s life has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the state government’s multidimensional poverty alleviation program launched on October 2, 2024.
Ruby, who once struggled to make ends meet in a temporary hut, will soon shift into her first-ever pucca house, a symbol of security, stability, and dignity. “I never imagined that I would one day live in a proper house,” said an emotional Ruby. “During the rains, water would drip through the roof. In the summer, it felt like we were living under a burning griddle. The Yogi government changed our lives forever.”
Chief Secretary Personally Monitoring Construction
According to Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, construction of Ruby’s house is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed within a few months. He added that quality control is being strictly maintained and that he is personally monitoring the project to ensure every aspect meets standards.
But the transformation doesn’t stop at housing. Ruby’s husband, Ram Sagar, has already been provided a job at Larsen & Toubro (L&T) through the same initiative. Earning over ₹18,000 per month, Ram Sagar’s employment has brought economic stability to the family for the first time.
“Ruby’s story is a testament to the campaign’s success and a beacon of hope for thousands still trapped in poverty,” said Chief Secretary Singh.
A Holistic Approach to Ending Poverty
The Zero Poverty Campaign is designed to identify the poorest and most vulnerable families in Uttar Pradesh and provide them with comprehensive support—not just in terms of financial aid but also employment, housing, education, and healthcare.
Key Highlights of the Campaign:
- Launched on October 2, 2024, by CM Yogi Adityanath.
- Aims to uplift 25 lakh families across Uttar Pradesh.
- Over 13.57 lakh families identified so far.
- ₹250 crore allocated in the 2025–26 budget.
- Target to ensure minimum annual household income of ₹1.25 lakh.
- Each identified family’s head to be offered guaranteed employment.
- Goal to cover 10–25 poor families in every village.
Gratitude and Transformation
Ruby expressed deep gratitude to the government, saying, “This house is not just a building—it’s freedom from fear, pain, and helplessness. The Yogi government gave us not just a roof but also dignity and a future.”
Her story represents more than personal triumph; it is a symbol of policy in action—where government schemes touch lives directly and lead to meaningful, long-term change.
As the first chapter of the Zero Poverty Campaign, Ruby’s journey from a dilapidated hut to a secure home underscores a growing movement towards inclusive development and grassroots empowerment in Uttar Pradesh.
