Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya Calls for Accelerated Work Towards Women Empowerment and the Goal of a Developed India
Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Friday held a detailed review meeting with departmental officials at the Circuit House in Varanasi to assess the progress of various development projects and government schemes.
During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister instructed officials to carry out all departmental works as model projects with a spirit of teamwork, ensuring speed, transparency, and quality in development initiatives.
He emphasized that rural development schemes should be implemented effectively in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together with all, development for all, trust of all, and efforts by all).
Highlighting the importance of empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Maurya directed officials to intensify efforts to increase the number of “Lakhpati Didis” from the current target of one lakh to three lakh women annually. During the meeting, the Chief Development Officer informed that nearly 1.48 lakh women associated with self-help groups are currently active in Varanasi district.
The Deputy Chief Minister also instructed that special camps should be organized in village panchayats to connect eligible divyang (differently-abled) and widowed women with housing schemes. He directed that the Chief Medical Officer must participate in these camps to ensure proper verification of eligible beneficiaries.
Maurya further suggested that community marriage halls (Barat Ghars) constructed in villages should be operated through self-help groups so that women can gain employment opportunities. He also asked officials to set reasonable rental charges for social events and ensure systematic management of these facilities. In villages where such halls are needed, suitable locations should be identified and construction should be undertaken through CSR funds.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to fully and effectively utilize the available budget in the current financial year and ensure that all development works are completed within the stipulated time frame with high quality standards. He also instructed that proposals received under the Legislative Area Development Fund should be initiated within 45 days.
Maurya stated that the state government is committed to the economic, educational, and social upliftment of rural communities, and that all departments must work in coordination to realize the goals of women empowerment, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and a Developed India.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Development Officer, District Development Officer, Project Director of District Rural Development Agency, Executive Engineer of Rural Engineering Department, Deputy Commissioner (Self Employment and Labour Employment), and other officials.
