UP’s zero poverty mission to be named after Dr Ambedkar: CM Yogi

Lucknow, Apr 14: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced that the state’s upcoming ‘Zero Poverty’ mission will be named after Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. The scheme, set to launch this month, aims to uplift underprivileged families and ensure they receive full benefits of government welfare schemes. Speaking at a program organized by the Ambedkar Mahasabha on the occasion of Dr Ambedkar’s 134th birth anniversary, the Chief Minister said the mission is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development.

“Dr Ambedkar faced humiliation but never let the country down,” CM Yogi said, adding that the scheme reflects Ambedkar’s ideals of social and economic empowerment. In the first phase, around 15 lakh poor families will be identified and supported. Each Gram Panchayat will include 20–25 such families. Yogi claimed UP will be the first state in India to take concrete steps toward ending poverty.

He also highlighted the government’s efforts for marginalised communities, from land rights under the PM Swamitva Yojana to housing and loans for Dalit youth under the CM Yuva Udyami Abhiyan. Paying tribute, the CM said, “True respect for Baba Saheb lies in following his path, through education, unity, and standing against injustice.” He also accused the Congress and Samajwadi Party of disrespecting Ambedkar in the past. Earlier in the day, CM Yogi paid floral tribute to Ambedkar’s statue in Hazratganj, Lucknow.