The Village Mall initiative, launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is transforming village panchayats in Uttar Pradesh into self-reliant economic hubs. This unique model not only enhances local employment but also brings urban-level amenities to rural areas—becoming a model for inclusive and visionary rural development.
Uttar Pradesh’s First Rural Mall in Rampur
The state’s first Village Mall, known as Pragati Mall, was constructed in Dhamora village panchayat, Milak block, Rampur district. Built at a cost of Rs 1.60 crore, the mall features 43 commercial shops—all allotted to local residents.
What sets this project apart is its zero reliance on government funds. The entire budget was generated through reserved shop allotments, showcasing true public participation in development.
Economic Boost and Revenue Generation
- Hundreds of families have found employment through the mall.
- The village panchayat earns approximately Rs 30,000 per month in rental income.
- The model proves that honest, transparent governance can bring big infrastructure projects to rural India without dependence on state aid.
City-Like Amenities in Villages
Inspired by Pragati Mall’s success, a second mall is under construction in Mankara village, Bilaspur Tehsil, Rampur, at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore. The new mall will house 28 shops, and plans are underway to host outlets of major brands like McDonald’s, offering city-style convenience to rural citizens.
From Encroachment to Empowerment
Before 2017, government land was often under encroachment. Under CM Yogi’s leadership, these lands are now being transformed into hubs of employment and dignity for villagers.
The Village Mall concept demonstrates how public land can be repurposed for the public good, benefiting local communities both economically and socially.
Empowering Women and Youth
The model is designed to be inclusive, offering platforms for:
- Women entrepreneurs
- Youth seeking self-employment
- Self-help groups
- Local artisans and producers
These malls are poised to promote local products, enable rural branding, and give recognition to village-level craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
Social Justice at the Core
A key feature of the Village Mall model is its commitment to social justice. Shop allotments have been made following reservation guidelines, ensuring representation of marginalized groups in the rural economy.
This inclusivity has helped make the Rampur model a blueprint for other districts aiming to replicate the initiative.
Towards a Self-Reliant Rural India
The Village Mall initiative aligns with the vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat). With community-driven development, no dependency on state funding, and a focus on local empowerment, Uttar Pradesh is setting a benchmark in rural transformation.
