Ayodhya and Sonbhadra Show the Path to Self-Reliance: Yogi Government’s Schemes Transform Lives

Lucknow, January 19:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that the state government’s welfare schemes are no longer limited to providing assistance, but are actively empowering people to become self-reliant. Citing examples from Ayodhya and Sonbhadra, the Chief Minister highlighted how targeted government initiatives are strengthening livelihoods and driving economic independence across the state.

Addressing a programme at Indira Pratishthan in Lucknow, CM Yogi explained that a combination of central and state schemes—ranging from food security and housing to skill development and entrepreneurship—has created new opportunities for the poor, youth, women, and traditional artisans.

From Welfare to Empowerment

The Chief Minister said the government has ensured food security through ration cards, employment through Mission Rozgar, and financial support for small vendors under the PM SVANidhi scheme. Traditional artisans are being supported through the PM Vishwakarma scheme, while aspiring entrepreneurs are being encouraged through PM Startup India and PM Stand-Up India. Youth seeking jobs or self-employment are receiving training and placement opportunities under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

“These schemes are not about dependency. They are about dignity, opportunity, and self-reliance,” CM Yogi said.

Ayodhya and Sonbhadra Success Stories

Sharing a success story from Ayodhya, the Chief Minister said a Scheduled Caste family had been saving money to build a house when they were sanctioned a home under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. With the savings they had accumulated, the family purchased an e-rickshaw. Today, the family’s son earns around ₹1,000 a day, making the household financially independent.

In another example from Sonbhadra, a woman beneficiary received a house under the same housing scheme. She invested the remaining funds into starting a dairy business, which provided her with additional income. Together with her husband, she was able to significantly improve her family’s financial condition.

Holistic Support for a Better Life

CM Yogi noted that housing is being provided along with essential facilities such as toilets, electricity connections, Ujjwala gas connections, and Ayushman Bharat health cards. This integrated approach, he said, ensures that beneficiaries not only have a roof over their heads but also access to basic services that improve their quality of life.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for their support, stating that the government is fulfilling its commitment of providing permanent housing to every eligible family and employment opportunities to every youth.

“With these efforts, Uttar Pradesh is steadily moving towards the goal of becoming a self-reliant state,” the Chief Minister said, adding that empowered citizens are the strongest foundation of a developed India.