Moradabad: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that strong villages and economically empowered women form the foundation of a prosperous state and a developed nation, while addressing the “Outstanding Gram Pradhan and Lakhpati Didi Dedication Awards Ceremony” organized by Amar Ujala in Moradabad.
The Deputy Chief Minister attended the event as the chief guest and felicitated outstanding Gram Pradhans and Lakhpati Didis with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their contributions to rural development, women’s empowerment, and community welfare.
Addressing the gathering, Maurya emphasized that village development, women’s empowerment, and self-reliance are transforming the socio-economic landscape of rural India. He said that empowered villages are the cornerstone of a strong Uttar Pradesh and a developed India.
“The double-engine government is continuously working for the welfare of villages, farmers, the poor, and women. Our objective is to ensure that the benefits of development schemes reach the last person in society,” he said.
Lakhpati Didi Campaign Driving Women’s Economic Empowerment
Highlighting the importance of women-led development, Maurya said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed women’s empowerment at the center of national development efforts. Numerous initiatives are being implemented to strengthen women socially, economically, and educationally.
He noted that the Lakhpati Didi initiative has emerged as a powerful instrument for helping women achieve financial independence and entrepreneurial success.
“The Prime Minister had initially set a target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis from economically weaker households, and that goal has been achieved. The target has now been expanded to six crore women. In Uttar Pradesh, thousands of women are being connected with self-help groups and are becoming financially empowered,” Maurya said.
He added that women associated with self-help groups are actively engaged in manufacturing and marketing various products, generating sustainable incomes and becoming self-reliant.
Gram Pradhans Playing Key Role in Rural Transformation
The Deputy Chief Minister also praised Gram Pradhans for their contribution to grassroots governance and rural development. He said local bodies are playing a crucial role in improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, sports facilities, Anganwadi centers, and other essential services in villages.
Referring to the government’s vision for rural development, he said upcoming initiatives under the “Viksit Bharat” framework would provide fresh momentum to village-level planning and development.
“Gram Panchayats are emerging as engines of rural progress by implementing effective development plans and ensuring that public services reach every household,” he said.
Focus on Farmers and Welfare Schemes
Maurya reiterated the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and income enhancement. He said progressive farmers are increasingly adopting modern agricultural technologies and serving as role models for others in the farming community.
He also highlighted several flagship welfare schemes implemented by the Central and State Governments, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
According to him, these initiatives have significantly improved the lives of millions of beneficiaries by providing housing, food security, healthcare, and financial assistance.
The Deputy Chief Minister further stated that the direct transfer of benefits to beneficiaries’ bank accounts has strengthened transparency and reduced corruption, thereby enhancing public trust in governance.
Village Development Key to Nation Building
Concluding his address, Maurya said that the development of villages remains central to the vision of a developed Uttar Pradesh and a developed India.
“Our priority is to make every village self-reliant, every family prosperous, and every woman economically empowered. Rural development is the foundation of national progress,” he said.
He also congratulated the Amar Ujala team for organizing the event and noted that such recognition programmes encourage individuals and communities working tirelessly for social and economic development at the grassroots level.
The ceremony brought together village leaders, self-help group members, public representatives, and community stakeholders, highlighting the growing role of rural institutions and women-led initiatives in shaping the future of rural India.
