In a significant move to bridge the gap between the government and rural communities, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s ‘gram chaupal’ initiative is bringing governance directly to the doorsteps of villagers and the underprivileged. It is fostering greater trust between the government and the public, while simplifying and improving accessibility to problem-solving at the grassroots level, officials said in a statement issued here on Thursday.
Under CM Yogi’s leadership, state panchayats have become more significant and accountable than ever before, officials added.
Key initiatives, including Rozgar Melas, schemes for supporting farmers, and self-help groups, are driving empowerment in rural areas. The integration of digital technology has further enhanced transparency and efficiency in panchayat operations, ensuring governance is more responsive and effective.
CM Yogi has emphasised the strategic utilisation of panchayat funds to ensure their benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. He has urged panchayats to prioritise impactful projects, such as rainwater harvesting and initiatives that lend a unique identity to panchayats, officials said.
These efforts align with his vision of self-reliant gram panchayats, encouraging local bodies to adopt innovative and impactful development projects, they added.
The chief minister has also called for a focus on cleanliness in community toilets and public spaces, strengthening rural development efforts. Furthermore, he has stressed the importance of establishing and economically utilising community centres in villages. This initiative aims to enhance the economic stability of panchayats while generating new employment opportunities, paving the way for ideal, self-reliant, and developed villages, officials said.
The ‘gram chaupal’ marks a groundbreaking advancement in rural governance. It not only strengthens the connection between the government and its citizens but also enhances accessibility to grassroots problem-solving, fostering a vision of empowered and sustainable rural communities, officials said.
Held every Friday in two gram panchayats per development block across Uttar Pradesh, the initiative is making a tangible difference in addressing villagers’ concerns, they added.
Guided by the principle ‘Gaon Ki Samasya – Gaon Mein Samadhan’, these chaupals provide swift and effective solutions to both personal and public challenges. They also bring greater transparency to ongoing village projects and accelerate the implementation of social welfare schemes.
Special focus is placed on cleanliness in the villages to ensure the success of the chaupals, with extensive publicity before each session to encourage greater participation.
The initiative guarantees that government schemes and benefits reach those in need, providing direct support to the rural population.
According to Rural Development Commissioner GS Priyadarshi, over 1.13 lakh gram chaupals have been organised since January 2023, with more than 79 lakh villagers participating and over 4.42 lakh problems resolved.
