Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has unveiled an audacious strategy to supercharge the Zero Poverty Abhiyan by roping in Uttar Pradesh’s universities and colleges as key implementers. This ‘Dhaaran’ (momentum) infusion aims to systematically target and eliminate poverty pockets across the state’s 75 districts.
Detailed guidelines issued by the government mandate that higher education institutions form dedicated cells for the abhiyan. These units will profile underprivileged families, facilitate access to 25+ welfare schemes, and monitor progress through digital platforms. The focus areas include women’s empowerment, farmer income doubling, and youth skilling.
Speaking at a virtual conclave with vice-chancellors, Yogi stressed accountability: ‘Every college must adopt villages and ensure zero poverty by quarter-end.’ This directive has sparked enthusiasm, with institutions like Lucknow University launching ‘Poverty-Free Campus Drives’ that extend to surrounding communities.
Data from the state planning department reveals that UP has reduced multidimensional poverty by 15% in recent years, but pockets of extreme deprivation linger. The academic involvement promises precision targeting, drawing on GIS mapping and AI-driven analytics developed in university labs.
Stakeholders praise the move for its scalability, though some educators worry about resource diversion from core academics. Nevertheless, with central government backing and CSR funds pouring in, the Zero Poverty Abhiyan is poised for exponential impact, heralding a poverty-free Uttar Pradesh.