Bareilly, 13 Oct (HS): Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on

Tuesday announced an increase of Rs 1,000 in the honorarium of around 68,000 Gram

Praharis in the state. Along with this, he said that the government is also

going to provide cashless treatment facility of Rs 5 lakh annually to the Gram

Praharis and their families. With a one-time increase of 40 percent in the

honorarium, they will now get Rs 3,500 per month instead of Rs 2,500. In this

way, each Gram Prahari will have an additional income of Rs 12,000 annually. In

the year 2017, Gram Praharis used to get a mere Rs 1,500 honorarium, which was

increased to Rs 2,500 in the year 2019. Now, along with responsibility, the

government is also increasing their facilities.

Addressing a program held at the Bareilly Police Lines, the

Chief Minister said that before 2017, those in power were also involved in

looting. Leaders were also thieves, committing or orchestrating robberies. So,

who could the public expect action from? Even the police remained silent.

Today, people celebrate festivals fearlessly. The large crowds of devotees

thronging temples during Navratri are a living example of this. The national

and international perception of the state's law and order has changed.

Criminals who compromise the safety of daughters or commit robberies and chain

snatching are sure to face dire consequences. The public has responded to those

who cultivated evil, and those who championed goodness have succeeded in making

the state a better place.

Uttar Pradesh is no longer a riot, it is a celebration: Paying

obeisance to Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day of Sharadiya Navratri, the

Chief Minister said that the sound of the bell creates a fear-free environment.

This form of Mother Goddess, the Mother of the Universe, symbolizes the ability

to instill fear in the minds of demons, anarchists, rioters, and terrorists.

This echo can be of the bell itself or of our own stern voice. Before 2017,

riots would erupt before any festival or celebration. Instead of celebrating,

people were worried about the possibility of unrest. Now, people have forgotten

the riots, and Sharadiya Navratri is being celebrated with joy and enthusiasm

across the state. Huge crowds of devotees are gathering at the Devi temples.

Devotees are able to visit in a safe environment because the government has

ensured effective security arrangements.

People of UP no longer need to hide their identity: The

Chief Minister said that previously, the 250 million people of the state had to

bear the brunt of the crimes of a handful of individuals. Everyone faced an

identity crisis. People were forced to hide their identities when traveling

outside Uttar Pradesh. The situation was such that it was difficult to find a

room in dharamshalas and hotels. After forming the government in 2017, the

biggest concern was to change this perception. Today, under the guidance and

leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government has

achieved success in this direction. Now, the people of Uttar Pradesh no longer

need to hide their identity. Those who previously distanced themselves from

Uttar Pradesh now want to come closer to Uttar Pradesh. The security

environment has increased trade and encouraged investment. Employment

opportunities have increased, and the pace of development has accelerated.

Along with the police, Home Guards, PRD and village guards

were also honored. The Chief Minister said that the government has made efforts

to ensure that the police receive good training and facilities, while Home

Guards, PRD personnel, and Gram Praharis should also receive better facilities.

It is essential to make them an important part of the security system. Before

2017, no one cared for the Gram Praharis. At that time, there were

approximately 68,000 village panchayats in the state. After the merger of many

village panchayats into municipal bodies and administrative changes, there are

still more than 57,600 village panchayats in the state. There are approximately

1.05 lakh revenue villages in the state. The role of Gram Praharis is extremely

important in such a vast rural area. If the person at the bottom of the ladder

is vigilant and alert, information can be received before any untoward incident

occurs.

Keep an eye on rumours, wildlife and land mafia too: The

Chief Minister said that rumors spread rapidly in villages during the rainy

season. Districts like Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich are also at risk

of wildlife-related incidents. Bahraich has witnessed incidents of hyena

attacks during the rainy season for the past few years. More than 40 leopards

were rescued in Bijnor. Village guards can play a vital role in raising

awareness among villagers about potential wildlife threats and informing the

administration in a timely manner. Their single information can avert a major

tragedy. They should also monitor the activities of land mafia. He has directed

the Home Department to fill vacant Gram Praharis positions. He added that the

government is taking a major step towards providing cashless healthcare

services worth up to Rs 5 lakh per year to approximately 68,000 village guards

and their families.

On this occasion, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister

Suresh Kumar Khanna, Animal Husbandry Minister and recently elected to Rajya

Sabha Dharampal Singh, Minister in-charge Bareilly JPS Rathore, Environment and

Forest Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister Sanjay Gangwar, MP Chhatrapal

Singh Gangwar, newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Shruti Gangwar, Mayor Bareilly Dr.

Umesh Gautam, Additional Chief Secretary Home Sanjay Prasad and Director

General of Police of the state Rajiv Krishna were present.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi