Lucknow, March 17: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Monday the transfer of ₹900 crore as the first installment to 90,000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). He emphasized that it is time to repay the exploitation faced by the common people by those who have taken advantage of them for years. The land seized by mafias will now be used to build homes for the poor.
The Chief Minister stated that the double-engine government’s policy treats “25 crore citizens as one family,” ensuring that benefits reach all sections without discrimination. This approach is transforming Uttar Pradesh from a ‘sick state’ into the country’s growth engine.
Adityanath clarified that the government’s goal is not just to provide housing but to ensure a dignified life for the poor, complete with toilets, electricity, water, and all essential amenities. Every individual dreams of having their own home. Like other creatures that seek shelter, a home is a fundamental need for humans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken this responsibility, resulting in approximately 6.2 million families receiving housing under this scheme in Uttar Pradesh.
He pointed out that despite housing schemes existing before 2017, the lack of willpower in the state government meant that the benefits did not reach the poor. When individuals become self-centered, their empathy diminishes, leading to a focus on their own families. This was the case with previous governments. However, since 2017, the double-engine government has prioritized reaching every needy individual with its schemes, adopting the philosophy that “25 crore residents are one family.”
The Chief Minister noted that the double-engine government’s compassion extends to every village, poor person, youth, woman, farmer, and laborer. In this context, over 90,000 beneficiaries are receiving the first installment of ₹1 lakh for housing. The distribution includes 10,214 beneficiaries in Saharanpur, 7,991 in Pratapgarh, 4,325 in Shahjahanpur, and others across various districts.
He revealed that over ₹900 crore has been directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts through DBT, showcasing effective use of technology, eliminating middlemen, and ensuring a clear path for housing construction.
The government’s priority is to ensure that the poor and marginalized receive benefits without discrimination. This is a hallmark of any welfare government. As a result of this approach, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a growth engine from its previous ‘sick state’ image. The double-engine government, guided by Prime Minister Modi, has made this possible through dedicated efforts for villages, the poor, farmers, youth, and women. Additionally, receiving housing before the Basanti Navratri and Ram Navami festivals brings special joy to the poor, allowing their dreams to take flight.
CM Yogi stated that beneficiaries are not only receiving housing but also benefits like ration schemes, gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme, health insurance up to ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat, and an annual pension of ₹12,000 for widows, the elderly, and the disabled. The state is providing pensions to 1.06 crore people without any discrimination. The philosophy of considering 25 crore citizens as one family has allowed benefits to reach Dalits, marginalized groups, the underprivileged, and women. This not only improves living standards but also enhances people’s energy and capacity, propelling the state toward new heights of development and strengthening the economy.
He mentioned witnessing the happiness of beneficiary families during interactions in various districts. In Saharanpur, Fatehpur, Maharajganj, Deoria, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur, women reported starting construction as soon as they received the first installment. The CM urged beneficiaries to request the next installment as soon as 75% of their work is completed, ensuring immediate availability of funds to expedite construction. He also instructed the appointment of nodal officers in districts to provide affordable and quality construction materials. Every house should include a toilet, free electricity connection, and water supply under the “Nal se Jal” scheme. Furthermore, the housing should display the benefits of the “Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana” along with the beneficiary’s name to serve as an inspiration.
The Chief Minister added that before 2017, mafias had occupied government land, which is now being freed for use by the poor. Any remaining land should also be cleared, and high-rise housing should be developed for those without land. Housing schemes should also be created for advocates, doctors, teachers, and journalists to ensure every section of society has a home. This initiative should start at the district level, sending a positive message throughout the state and the country. If necessary, mafia properties should be seized and repurposed for this objective.
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