Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 4 (HBTV): On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for implementing ambitious schemes linked to farmers and the common man. The two leaders participated in a review meeting held in Lucknow to discuss wheat procurement, PM Kusum, and PM Surya Ghar Yojana.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Minister said, ‘I thank Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for taking time out of his busy schedule to implement ambitious schemes that reach the common man and that are linked to the farmers and the common citizens of the middle and low-income groups.’

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, addressing the meeting, stated, ‘On the renewable energy front, the meeting with CM Yogi Adityanath focused on how Uttar Pradesh is leading the way in renewable energy with an ambitious target of 22 GW solar capacity. The flagship schemes of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, PM Kusum and PM Surya Ghar, were reviewed, and challenges in implementation were addressed. Together, we resolved to further the vision of sustainability and reaffirm our commitment to a greener, energy-secure future.’

Joshi also visited Village Duggaur near Lucknow to observe the benefits of PM Kusum among farmers. Earlier in the day, CM Yogi shared a photo with the Union Minister in a post.

‘Today I had a courtesy visit to Honourable Union Minister Shri @JoshiPralhadji at his official residence in Lucknow,’ the post read.

According to officials, wheat procurement in Uttar Pradesh crossed 1 lakh tonnes in the first week of April. On April 9, a total of 20,409 farmers sold wheat at 5,780 purchase centres.

Officials further stated that registered farmers are allowed to sell up to 100 quintals of wheat without verification. Purchase centres remain operational even during holidays, as per the orders of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The PM Kusum scheme, launched in 2019, aims to promote solar energy in agriculture by providing financial assistance through subsidies to farmers and other entities for setting up solar pumps and grid-connected renewable energy-based power plants.

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana seeks to provide free electricity to households by promoting rooftop solar installations and enabling residential households to generate electricity independently.

Separately, on April 9, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a two per cent hike in Dearness Allowance for state government employees, increasing it from 53 per cent to 55 per cent, effective January 1, 2025.

CM Yogi Adityanath also posted about the decision on X, stating that approximately 16 lakh employees would benefit. He emphasized that protecting the interests of state employees remains a top priority for the government.

‘In the same sequence, today it has been decided by the Uttar Pradesh government to increase the Dearness Allowance being given to the state employees at the rate of 53% to 55% from January 1, 2025. Around 16 lakh employees will benefit from this decision. Hearty congratulations to all of you!’ the Chief Minister said.

(ANI)