Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told the Assembly that from 1947 to 2017, poverty eradication and social security schemes in Uttar Pradesh had limited impact, with benefits rarely reaching those in need. He, however, added that between 2017 and 2025, planned and targeted efforts have lifted 6 crore people above the poverty line — a fact acknowledged by NITI Aayog. Under the ‘Zero Poverty’ campaign, the state is now running a large-scale drive to build on this progress.
He highlighted that 1.06 crore families are now receiving an annual pension of ₹12,000 under schemes for destitute women, the elderly, and Divyangjan. Under the Chief Minister Mass Marriage Scheme, 4.77 lakh daughters have been married, with the grant increased from ₹51,000 to ₹1 lakh.
He added, "On food security, 15 crore people are receiving food grains. Through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, 1.86 crore families have received free gas connections and complimentary cylinders on Holi and Diwali. A new initiative, ‘Annapurna Bhavan,’ aims to make villages self-reliant."
Additionally, financial inclusion has been strengthened by opening Jan Dhan accounts for 9 crore families. Programs like mass marriage, pension, and Annapurna Bhavan are transforming lives, ensuring a dignified life for the most vulnerable sections of society.
