Social forestry is an integral component of sustainable development that aims to enhance the environmental quality while simultaneously benefiting local communities. In Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s largest and most populous states, the government has implemented various initiatives and strategies to promote social forestry. These efforts are designed not only to conserve forests and promote…
The Poorvanchal Expressway, inaugurated in November 2021, is a significant infrastructure project that connects Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, to Ghazipur in the eastern part of the state. Spanning approximately 340 kilometers, it is one of India’s most ambitious expressway projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, fostering economic growth, and improving regional integration. Developed under…
Introduction The Lower Ganga Canal (LGC) is one of the most vital irrigation and water management systems in Uttar Pradesh. A significant component of the Ganga River’s irrigation infrastructure, the Lower Ganga Canal has played an essential role in the agriculture of the region for centuries. The canal system is crucial for irrigating vast tracts…
Introduction Agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economy of Uttar Pradesh (UP), which is one of India’s largest agricultural producers. The state is home to a diverse range of agricultural produce, including food grains, fruits, vegetables, spices, and other crops. However, despite its agricultural prowess, UP has historically faced challenges in tapping into the…
Introduction Caste hierarchies and power structures have played a central role in shaping the socio-economic and political landscape of rural Uttar Pradesh. Despite constitutional safeguards and affirmative action policies, caste remains a dominant determinant of access to resources, opportunities, and social mobility. This article explores how entrenched caste-based inequities and power dynamics perpetuate disparities, particularly…
Land reforms refer to a set of policies and legal measures aimed at improving the land tenure system, redistributing land, and promoting agricultural productivity and social justice. Uttar Pradesh, a large state in northern India with a predominantly agrarian economy, underwent significant land reforms post-independence to address the issues of landlessness, inequality, and exploitative practices….
The Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) is a participatory process aimed at empowering Gram Panchayats (village councils) to identify and prioritize development needs and implement solutions tailored to their specific contexts. Introduced under the 14th Finance Commission guidelines, the GPDP emphasizes decentralization, community involvement, and convergence of resources for sustainable rural development. In Uttar Pradesh,…
Inclusive growth refers to a growth process that is equitable, where the benefits of economic development are shared by all segments of society, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalized groups. In other words, inclusive growth aims to ensure that the fruits of economic progress reach all levels of society, not just the affluent or the urban…