Uttar Pradesh Government has officially named state’s ‘Zero Poverty Mission’ after Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar as a tribute to his contributions toward social, economic, and educational empowerment. This initiative seeks to eliminate extreme poverty in state by ensuring universal access to welfare schemes.
About Program
New Name: Zero Poverty Mission to be known as Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Zero Poverty Mission.
Objective: To ensure no individual in UP is deprived of basic necessities and is linked with all government welfare schemes.
Background:
- Program Launch Date: 2 October 2024
- Need for the Program: As per NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (2023), UP ranked 25th out of 28 states, highlighting a high poverty burden.
Vision: Every underprivileged and deprived family should be uplifted above the poverty line (ABL).
Implementation Plan:
Phase-1 Target:
- Identify and support 14–15 lakh families
- Each gram panchayat will include 20–25 families without full access to benefits
Target Income:
- Raise household income to a minimum ₹1.25 lakh annually through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and custom livelihood support
Welfare Schemes to be Integrated:
In-kind & Cash Transfers such as:
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
- Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana
- PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
- Shramik Card
- Ayushman Bharat (Golden Card)
- Various pension schemes
Special Focus Communities: Priority to be given to marginalized and tribal groups, such as:
- Musahar, Tharu, Vantangiya, Kol, Buksa, Chero, God, and Sahari
Other Features:
- Community Toilets Maintenance committee: in Gram Panchayats to receive regular monthly honorarium
- Self-Sufficiency Approach:
- Focus on livelihood, education, housing, food security, healthcare, and sustainable income
Budget Allocation:
- Total Fund Allocated: ₹250 crore (approx. USD 29 million)
- Purpose: To provide for food, clothing, education, housing, medicine, and sustainable income support for poor families
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar:
Roles:
- First Law Minister of India
- Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee
Achievements:
- Bharat Ratna Awardee
- Internationally educated scholar and Dalit icon
Legacy:
- Recognised for fighting caste discrimination, uplifting Scheduled Castes, and contributing to social justice and legal reforms
- Passed away in 1956