In line with its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented drone technology to monitor and assess the quality of rural development projects.
Drones are now overseeing critical initiatives in villages, including housing construction, drinking water systems, irrigation, road building, playgrounds and plantation projects.
Special monitoring teams have been formed at the district level to verify the progress of these works, including those under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, with the capacity to expand as needed. This innovative approach aims to ensure greater transparency in rural development, while holding officials accountable for their performance.
The Yogi Adityanath government believes that using technology in this way will not only improve the quality of development projects, but also bolster the rural economy. In line with the Narendra Modi government’s national development agenda, the Yogi administration places a strong emphasis on technology to enhance governance.
Continuous monitoring of MGNREGA works is being done through drone surveillance, with district-wise inspections in place to ensure the efficient implementation of rural development schemes.
Drone footage is being used to document progress and confirm the quality of work, ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach the intended beneficiaries without any compromise in quality.
To ensure quality and accountability in rural development, the Yogi government is conducting inspections of ongoing development works for the financial year 2023-24. Following these inspections, the accountability of district officials will be determined, particularly in areas where projects have not met the prescribed standards.
The government has directed district officers to fully cooperate with the state-level drone teams overseeing these inspections. Chief development officers have been tasked with ensuring that subordinate officers and staff assist the drone teams effectively.
In response to the scale of the initiative, the number of teams deployed at the state headquarters has been increased to ensure broader coverage of drone surveillance, enhancing the transparency and quality of development projects. The first successful trial of this initiative was carried out in the Banda district.
This forward-thinking initiative will not only foster transparency in rural development but also strengthen the rural economy. By improving transparency and ensuring high-quality work, the programme will create more permanent employment opportunities in rural areas.
The chief minister believes that the efficient execution of village-level development projects will lead to new job opportunities and pave the way for economic empowerment. Furthermore, increasing technological access in rural regions is generating fresh opportunities for the youth, creating a path toward sustainable growth.
