For the first time in the country, a model has been developed for the rural people living in poor and backward conditions. Under this, they will be provided with houses equipped with state-of-art facilities. The ‘Planned Integrated Township Model’ which is a brainchild of IAS officer Arvind Singh is not only appreciated by the higher authorities of Uttar Pradesh government but also by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.
The model is led by a convergence of 30 schemes of central and state government. It first saw the light of the day in the Londonpur Grant village of Lakhimpur Kheri district, where Mr. Arvind Singh was posted as the Chief Development Officer (CDO). The model was highly praised by the CM of UP Yogi Adityanath, and it will be now replicated in the whole state of Uttar Pradesh.
THE IDEA
While speaking to Indian Masterminds, Mr. Arvind Singh who is currently posted as the Vice Chairman of Kanpur Development Authority (KDA) said, “The idea was always in my mind as I noticed that few of the urban pockets of India are being developed in a planned manner but the same is not happening in the rural areas. A gated township model was never promoted in villages and other remote areas, as houses are mostly scattered and unplanned. Therefore, my main motive was to make a planned integrated township with massive convergence of government schemes, where no extra money is being invested.
“Starting earlier this year, we first identified the most backward people who are still landless and are in need of homes and other facilities. We then took up to the matter with the revenue department; it identified a common land and all these 26 landless families were given a lease on the land and possession too was given soon to them. Architecture of the gated township was made free of cost and the houses were allotted under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (PMAY-G).”
The idea of a modern and planned residential gated complex (township) for all the beneficiaries at one place resulted in massive convergence of 30 schemes of 10 different departments operating in the Gram Panchayat.
CONVERGENCE OF SCHEMES
In Londonpur Grant village of Kheri, best results have been found by comprehensive convergence of these schemes. Mr. Singh added, “Along with the development building, all the Block Development Officers, officers of the concerned department, Panchayat Secretaries, and other subordinate employees worked with full dedication to give shape to this whole concept.”
Under the PMAY-G, accommodation was provided to 26 families along with cattle sheds and pond. MGNREGA park, pond, vermicompost, inter locking, drainage, waste and liquid waste management, drinking water, livelihood opportunities, gas connection and electricity too were provided.
RECOGNITION
Baba Gokarnath residential township, developed in Londonpur Grant village of Lakhimpur Kheri, has become an example for the whole of Uttar Pradesh. The efforts of the IAS officer were recognized by the Chief Minister as the model was successfully implemented in the district. Mr. Arvind Singh was called for a presentation at the CM’s residence where all the department members were also present. During the presentation, the CM directed them to implement this model in all rural areas of the state.
Not only this, but the efforts of the officer were also recognized by the Prime Minister Office and Mr Narendra Modi praised the model in his virtual radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. According to Mr Singh, this model has given great joy to the poor people in the state and has created various opportunities for them to live a decent life.
