Uttar Pradesh Government Supports 1.3 Million Families in Poverty Drive

In a significant initiative to alleviate poverty, the government of Uttar Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has provided support to approximately 1.33 million of the state’s poorest families over the past year. This effort is part of the government’s zero poverty campaign, which aims to uplift individuals and families struggling with financial hardship.

The campaign was first announced during the Chief Minister’s Independence Day address in 2022 and was officially launched on October 2, 2022, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. The mission seeks to ensure that every family has access to basic needs and social security. One key goal is to identify at least 25 underprivileged families in each village across the state.

As of August 2023, the initiative has already linked 372,000 families to essential services, including housing, employment, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities. This comprehensive approach is designed to foster long-term transformation for these families.

Regional Progress and Outreach Efforts

The campaign has seen varying levels of success across different regions. Azamgarh leads the effort with 42,082 families receiving support, followed closely by Jaunpur with 39,374, Sitapur at 36,571, Hardoi with 30,050, and Prayagraj at 28,935 families.

Special drives are being conducted in collaboration with local panchayats and voluntary organizations to enhance outreach in these districts. The Chief Minister has emphasized that the initiative is not solely about financial assistance; rather, it aims to eradicate poverty entirely by 2027. Identified families are being integrated into several flagship schemes, including PM Awas Yojana, Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jivan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and MGNREGA.

The government is also focusing on women’s empowerment through the establishment of self-help groups, ensuring that educational opportunities are available for all. This multifaceted approach aims to create a sustainable pathway out of poverty for the most vulnerable communities in Uttar Pradesh.

As the initiative progresses, the government remains committed to its goal of providing a safety net for those in need, signaling a proactive stance towards long-term economic stability in the region. The success of the zero poverty campaign could serve as a model for similar efforts across India and beyond.