Lucknow, Apr 14 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said the ‘Zero Poverty’ Mission in Uttar Pradesh will be named after Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and the initiative, set to launch later this month, aims to lift every underprivileged and deprived individual above the poverty line.
While addressing a gathering organized by the Ambedkar Mahasabha, marking Dr Ambedkar’s 134th birth anniversary, the CM said, “Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Zero Poverty programme aims to ensure that no underprivileged person is left without access to basic amenities and government welfare schemes.”
On this occasion, he also released a commemorative souvenir.
Yogi said, “Over the past eight years, extensive efforts have been made to saturate benefits among marginalised communities such as the Musahar, Tharu, Vantangiya, Kol, Buksa, Chero, Gond and Sahariya. Every deserving individual has been connected with government schemes to improve their quality of life.”
He said that 14 to 15 lakh families will be identified and connected with the mission in its first phase. “Each Gram Panchayat will include 20 to 25 families without full government benefits access. The double-engine government at the state and centre will work together to provide them with the necessary support,” he said.
The CM said, “The scheme is being named after Baba Saheb as a tribute to his educational, social and economic empowerment philosophy. UP will become the first state in India to take decisive steps toward Zero Poverty.”
Reflecting on Dr Ambedkar’s life, he recalled that Baba Saheb was born in 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. “Despite numerous challenges, his extraordinary intellect and unwavering determination led him to pursue higher education in England, supported by a scholarship from the Maharaja of Baroda. After earning one of the highest academic degrees in the world, he returned to India with a singular mission, to secure rights and dignity for the crores of deprived and marginalized citizens. He championed the cause of the Dalits and actively participated in the country’s freedom movement.”
Yogi said that the Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946. “Dr Ambedkar served as the Law Minister in the first organised government and as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution. Today, the Indian Constitution binds every citizen with a sense of unity and shared purpose.”
He said that while many doubted India’s ability to remain united after independence, their fears were proved wrong. “Thanks to the guiding principles of the Constitution, India today stands strong as the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy, with 140 crore citizens bound together from north to south and east to west,” he said.
The CM said that the journey to realise Dr Ambedkar’s vision began under the leadership of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and has gained renewed strength and direction under PM Modi. “Whether in education, the economy or social upliftment, the pursuit of holistic development is now being carried forward with unparalleled dedication and resolve,” he said.
He said, “PM Modi has advanced this mission and ensured that even during a global crisis like the Covid pandemic, India remained the only country that guaranteed every citizen their rights and access to essential welfare.”
He highlighted various schemes implemented by the central and state governments to empower the poor and marginalised.
During his earlier visit, Yogi had made a pivotal announcement, wherever the poor resided, they would be granted land rights and provided permanent housing. “Since then, under the PM Swamitva Yojana, UP has issued ‘Gharaunis’ to over one crore poor and Dalit families, ensuring legal ownership of their land. In addition, housing has been provided to 56 lakh underprivileged families through various government schemes, marking a significant step toward inclusive development,” he said.
He highlighted the CM Yuva Udyami Abhiyan, describing it as a transformative initiative tailored for youth from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and extremely Backward Classes. “This programme is designed to empower young entrepreneurs by providing interest-free, collateral-free bank loans. So far, over 30,000 youth have benefited from the scheme and the government now aims to connect one lakh aspiring entrepreneurs each year. Those interested in starting their own ventures can enrol for training and join the programme,” he said.
The CM announced that Gram Panchayat committees managing community toilets will be provided a monthly honorarium, ensuring continued maintenance and dignity for sanitation workers.
Reflecting on Baba Saheb and Jogendra Nath Mandal’s lives, he said that history offers important lessons. “Many tried to sway Baba Saheb from his ideals, but he stood firm. Declaring, ‘I am an Indian from beginning to end’, he endured personal humiliation but never allowed the dignity of the nation to be compromised. Because of this unwavering commitment, independent India continues to honour and express gratitude to him,” he said.
However, Yogi lamented that while Baba Saheb is widely revered, Jogendra Nath Mandal remains a forgotten figure despite his contributions. “History’s mistakes are harsh and unforgiving. We must never allow anything that weakens our society or the nation. Our very existence is tied to the strength and unity of our country. Today, there are forces at work that aim to weaken the nation, we must remain vigilant and united,” he said.
He said that the situations in Pakistan and Bangladesh serve as important lessons for India. He praised PM Modi for giving dignity and respect to Dalits and the marginalised. “Whether it was the development of Baba Saheb’s Panch Teerths or providing refuge to persecuted communities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, India stood as a protector of humanity. In contrast, some groups attempted to destabilise the system through agitations,” he said.
He accused the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) of consistently disrespecting Baba Saheb. “While he was alive, they insulted him, and even after his death, they tried to suppress his values and ideals,” he said.
The CM said that the Congress party blocked the construction of Dr Ambedkar’s memorial in Delhi. “At the same time, the SP openly stated that if such a memorial were built, they would demolish it. But today, Baba Saheb is being honoured nationwide. His ideals are being embraced and the entire country is paying tribute to his vision and values,” he said.
He called for everyone to stay committed to Baba Saheb’s principles. “Be educated because only education can keep you from being misled,” he said while reiterating Dr Ambedkar’s message, urging the citizens to take full advantage of government welfare schemes, educate their children and unite to uplift the underprivileged and Dalits.
Yogi said, “Economic empowerment is only possible through education. If we walk the path Baba Saheb shows, we can secure a brighter future for the next generation. A true tribute to Baba Saheb lies in raising a united voice against injustice, oppression and corruption.”
