Empowering Villages: 'Model Gaon' to Lead India's Rural Development

Uttar Pradesh government official Heera Lal emphasized the critical role of village development and women's empowerment in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. The 'Model Gaon' project, inspired by success in Banda district, focuses on a village manifesto, identifying local change-makers, and transforming agriculture into a profitable business.

Uttar Pradesh government official Heera Lal stressed the crucial need for village development and women's empowerment to achieve India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He highlighted the 'Model Gaon' project, which is inspired by successful experiments in Banda district. This initiative hinges on defining development via a village manifesto, identifying local change-makers, and transforming traditional agriculture into a viable business.

In an exclusive interview, Lal discussed the project's origin during his tenure as a district magistrate in Banda, where innovative efforts led to significant improvements in water conservation and agriculture. Notably, the water table was raised by 1.34 meters, resulting in enhanced crop productivity.

The 'Model Gaon' concept, formulated in 2022, aims to serve as a blueprint for rural development across India. Its three key pillars—village manifesto, local change-makers, and agri-business transformation—are designed to implement government schemes effectively and address climate change at the grassroots level.

(With inputs from agencies.)