Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an increase in the monthly honorarium of Gram Praharis (village watchmen) from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500. He also announced cashless healthcare facilities worth up to ₹5 lakh annually and mobile phones to help strengthen village security and improve coordination with the police.
The announcements were made during a felicitation ceremony for Gram Praharis on Tuesday. The Chief Minister described village watchmen as the eyes and ears of village security, highlighting their role in identifying suspicious activities, preventing rumours and sharing important information with the police.
Honorarium of Gram Praharis Increased to ₹3,500
Yogi Adityanath announced a ₹1,000 increase in the monthly honorarium of 68,000 Gram Praharis across Uttar Pradesh. Their monthly payment will increase from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500.
The Chief Minister recalled the previous increases in their honorarium:
- 2017: Gram Praharis received ₹1,500 per month.
- 2019: Their monthly honorarium was increased by ₹1,000 to ₹2,500.
- Latest announcement: Another ₹1,000 increase has been announced, taking the monthly honorarium to ₹3,500.
He said the increase recognises their contribution to village security and encourages them to continue performing their duties with dedication.
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₹5 Lakh Cashless Healthcare Facility Announced
The Chief Minister also announced cashless healthcare benefits worth up to ₹5 lakh annually for Gram Praharis.
The facility is intended to provide additional healthcare support to village watchmen. Along with the honorarium increase, the announcement aims to support those who play an important role in maintaining law and order at the village level.
68,000 Gram Praharis to Strengthen Village Security
Yogi Adityanath said Gram Praharis act like CCTV cameras in villages because they can identify suspicious activities and immediately inform the police.
He stressed that village watchmen must remain in regular contact with local police officials. Their responsibilities include:
- Reporting suspicious activities to the police without delay.
- Sharing information about potential crimes and illegal activities.
- Helping prevent rumours and unnecessary panic.
- Supporting police efforts to maintain law and order.
- Remaining alert to developments that could affect village security.
The Chief Minister said an alert village community creates a strong foundation for public safety. He added that Gram Praharis play an important role in connecting villages, districts and the state administration.
Special Instructions to Prevent Rumours During the Rainy Season
The Chief Minister asked Gram Praharis to remain especially vigilant against rumours during the rainy season. Referring to districts such as Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich, he emphasised the importance of sharing accurate information promptly during sensitive situations.
He instructed village watchmen to inform the police immediately about suspicious activities or rumours so that authorities can verify the information and take timely action.
He said timely communication between villagers, Gram Praharis and the police can help prevent panic and maintain peace.
Gram Praharis Asked to Monitor Illegal Land Encroachment
Yogi Adityanath also directed Gram Praharis to keep an eye on illegal land occupation and the activities of land mafias in their villages.
He noted that development work is expanding in areas that previously lacked basic infrastructure, including roads. As development progresses, land-related activities also increase, making vigilance essential.
Gram Praharis were asked to report the following to the police and administration:
- Illegal occupation of land.
- Suspicious land-related activities.
- Activities linked to land mafias.
- Other developments that could affect public safety or law and order.
The Chief Minister said timely reporting would help the authorities take appropriate action.
Mobile Phones to Improve Coordination with Police
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of mobile phones in helping Gram Praharis remain connected with the police and exchange information quickly.
Mobile phones can support their work by enabling them to:
- Report suspicious activities promptly.
- Maintain regular contact with police officials.
- Share important information without unnecessary delays.
- Support faster responses to potential security concerns.
Yogi Adityanath said effective communication is essential for strengthening village-level security.
11 Gram Praharis Honoured at the Bareilly Ceremony
Before making the announcements, the Chief Minister honoured 11 Gram Praharis from the Bareilly zone. He presented them with turbans and gift hampers in recognition of their work.He congratulated the awardees and said the recognition reflected their hard work and dedication. He encouraged them to maintain the same commitment and perform their duties responsibly.
At the end of his address, the Chief Minister raised the slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’. He also took selfies with the Gram Praharis attending the ceremony.
Yogi Adityanath Highlights Improvements in Uttar Pradesh’s Law and Order
The Chief Minister said Uttar Pradesh had witnessed significant changes in its law-and-order situation since 2017. He recalled that festivals and religious events were previously accompanied by concerns about possible disturbances.
He said religious gatherings, fairs and celebrations are now being organised in a safer environment across the state. During Sharadiya Navratri, devotees are participating in rituals and visiting temples, including Shakumbhari Peeth.
According to the Chief Minister, the government’s efforts have helped create an environment in which people can organise religious and social events with greater confidence. He also said Uttar Pradesh’s image has improved nationally and internationally, with people increasingly feeling comfortable interacting with residents of the state.
Better Security Can Attract Investment and Create Jobs
Yogi Adityanath said law and order are directly connected to economic development. A secure environment supports infrastructure development, attracts investment and creates employment opportunities.
He highlighted the link between security and development:
- Infrastructure: A secure environment supports road construction and other development projects.
- Investment: Improved law and order can increase investor confidence.
- Employment: Investment and business activity can create more job opportunities.
- Public confidence: Safer surroundings allow people to participate more freely in social and economic activities.
The Chief Minister said fairs and festivals being organised across Uttar Pradesh reflect growing confidence in the state’s security environment.
CCTV Cameras and AI Technology to Support Public Safety
The Chief Minister said action is being taken against those who threaten the safety of girls and women. He also highlighted the role of CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology in helping authorities identify accused persons.
He urged Gram Praharis to support these efforts by reporting suspicious activities and maintaining close coordination with the police.
Gram Praharis to Support Safer and Self-Reliant Villages
Concluding his address, Yogi Adityanath said an alert village is better positioned to become self-reliant. He described Gram Praharis as an important foundation of the village security system and emphasised their contribution to safety and development.
He said the government is working to ensure that development projects and welfare schemes reach people across Uttar Pradesh. Alongside action against mafias, the government is focusing on combining heritage preservation with development.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Gram Praharis must remain vigilant, act responsibly and help build a strong link between villages and the police administration.
With the announced honorarium increase, cashless healthcare support and mobile phone facilities, the government aims to strengthen the role of Gram Praharis in improving village-level security across Uttar Pradesh.
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