68,000 Gram Praharis and their families to receive cashless treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh
“Those who were in power before 2017 were the ones indulging in loot and plunder; Those who claimed to be protectors were themselves thieves”: CM Yogi
CM Yogi tells Gram Praharis: “Your role in the village is like that of CCTV cameras; Stay alert and share information, police will take action”
CM directs station house officers or local sub-inspectors to hold weekly meetings with Gram Praharis, stresses appointments against vacant posts and regular interaction
A single piece of information from a Gram Prahari can prevent a mishap; appeals to them to remain alert to wildlife threats, rumors and land mafia activities
“Anyone who commits robbery, chain snatching or threatens the safety of a daughter is bound to face serious consequences”: CM
“There is no longer any rioting; crowds of devotees are thronging temples during Navratri in a safe environment”: CM
Bareilly, October 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced a ₹1,000 increase in the monthly honorarium for about 68,000 Gram Praharis across the state. He also said the government would provide cashless medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh annually to Gram Praharis and their families.
With a one-time 40% increase in their honorarium, they will now receive ₹3,500 per month instead of ₹2,500. This gives each Gram Prahari an additional annual income of ₹12,000. Before 2017, Gram Praharis received an honorarium of just ₹1,500, which was increased to ₹2,500 in 2019. Now, government is enhancing their facilities along with their responsibilities. Gram Praharis are an important link in the village security system. Their alertness and timely information can prevent a major mishap.
Addressing a grand program organized at Bareilly Police Lines, CM remarked, “Before 2017, those who were in power were the ones indulging in loot and plunder. Those who claimed to be protectors were themselves thieves. They committed or orchestrated dacoities. So, from whom could the public have expected justice? Even the police would remain silent. Today, criminals in UP fear the law. People celebrate festivals without fear. Huge crowds of devotees thronging temples during Navratri are a living example of this. Perceptions of UP's law-and-order situation have changed across the country and the world. Criminals who play with the safety of women or engage in robbery and chain snatching are bound to face serious consequences. People have given a fitting response to those who nurtured wrongdoing, while those who followed the path of goodness have succeeded in making the state better as well.”
Paying obeisance to Maa Chandraghanta on the third day of Sharadiya Navratri, CM stated, “The sound of bell creates an atmosphere free from fear. This form of Jagat Janani Maa Bhagwati symbolizes the instilling of fear in demons, anarchic elements, rioters and terrorists. This resonance can come from a bell or from our own firm, powerful voice. Before 2017, disturbances would begin even before a festival or celebration arrived. Instead of celebrating, people remained worried about the possibility of unrest. Now, people have forgotten what disturbances are and Sharadiya Navratri is being celebrated with joy and enthusiasm across the state. Huge crowds of devotees are gathering at Devi temples. Devotees can offer prayers in a safe environment because the government has ensured effective security arrangements. Celebration of faith at Durga pandals and installations of Durga idols at thousands of locations is proof of this secure environment.”
CM observed, “A secure Uttar Pradesh has transformed its image across the country and the world. Earlier, 25 crore people of the state had to bear the consequences of crimes committed by a handful of people. Everyone faced a crisis of identity. When traveling outside UP, people had to conceal their identity. It was difficult to get a room in dharamshalas and hotels. After the government was formed in 2017, our biggest concern was to change this perception. Today, under the guidance and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government has succeeded in this direction. People from UP no longer need to hide their identity. Those who earlier kept their distance from UP now want to come closer to the state. Creating a secure environment has boosted trade and encouraged investment. Employment opportunities have increased and the pace of development has accelerated.”
CM stated, “Government has endeavored to ensure that if the police receive good training and facilities, Home Guards, PRD personnel and Gram Praharis should also receive better facilities. It is essential to make them all an important part of the security system. Before 2017, no one looked after Gram Praharis' welfare. At that time, state had approximately 68,000 gram panchayats. After several gram panchayats were included in urban local bodies and administrative changes were made, the state still has more than 57,600 gram panchayats today. The state has approximately 1.05 lakh revenue villages. Role of Gram Praharis is extremely important across such a vast rural area. If the person at the last rung of system remains alert, information about any untoward incident in the village can be obtained before it occurs. This is where the Gram Prahari's role begins. Gram Praharis should remain vigilant in their villages and gather information. In an emergency, they should inform the station house officer or the local sub-inspector over the phone. The station house officer or local sub-inspector should hold a meeting with Gram Praharis at least once a week, gather information and work towards resolving their problems.”
CM described the role of Gram Praharis in the village security system as important as CCTV cameras. Gram Praharis can remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police. They do not need to confront anyone or take action themselves. Their primary responsibility is to stay in the village, monitor activities, gather credible information, and pass it to the police promptly. Even if information has not been fully verified, they can inform the police if something suspicious comes to light, so the police can investigate its authenticity and take necessary action.
CM stated, “During the rainy season, rumors spread rapidly in villages. There is also a risk of wildlife-related incidents in districts such as Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich. In Bahraich, incidents of hyena attacks have been reported during the rainy season over the past few years. The government has undertaken large-scale operations to rescue wildlife and relocate animals to safe places. Authorities have rescued more than 40 leopards in Bijnor. Gram Praharis can play an important role in raising villagers' awareness of potential wildlife threats and informing the administration promptly. A single piece of information from them can prevent a major mishap. They should also keep an eye on the activities of the land mafia.”
CM stated, “It is necessary to strengthen the role of Gram Praharis by according them respect and providing better facilities. In 2019, arrangements were made to provide Gram Praharis with torches and sticks for maintaining security. Now, along with the additional increase in their honorarium, efforts are being made to make their role even more effective.” He has directed the Home Department to ensure appointments under local arrangements wherever Gram Praharis' posts are vacant and to establish a system of regular meetings. “Dialogue is the greatest strength of a democratic system. Instead of merely intervening, problems should be resolved through dialogue. Regular interaction among Gram Praharis, the police and administration will help identify and resolve village-level problems in time.”
Making another important announcement for the welfare of Gram Praharis, CM stated, “Government is going to take a major step towards providing annual cashless healthcare facilities worth up to ₹5 lakh to approximately 68,000 Gram Praharis and their families. Under this arrangement, if a Gram Prahari or any family member falls ill, they can receive treatment under a health cover of up to ₹5 lakh. Gram Praharis should remain vigilant in discharging their duties. They should perform their role like the foundation stones of a structure, because a building of development can stand only on a strong foundation. The vigilance of Gram Praharis will strengthen the sense of security in villages and promote stability and development in rural life.”
CM Yogi honored 11 Gram Praharis for their outstanding work by presenting them with traditional safas and gift hampers on the stage. They included Rajveer Singh from Faridpur, Bareilly; Kunwar Pal Singh from Sirauli; Ram Rathore from Baheri; Rajendra Balmiki from Sungarhi, Pilibhit; Kamlesh from Powayan, Shahjahanpur; Kamlesh Singh Saini from Kanth, Moradabad; Rajesh Saini from the City Kotwali area of Bijnor; Anil Balmiki from Hazratnagar Garhi, Sambhal; Dhyan Singh Chauhan from Tanda, Rampur; Prakash from Shahabad; and Tejpal Prajapati from Naugawan Sadat, Amroha. The ceremony also screened a short film highlighting the contributions of Gram Praharis.
Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Animal Husbandry Minister and recently elected Rajya Sabha member Dharampal Singh, Bareilly in-charge minister JPS Rathore, Environment and Forest Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister Sanjay Gangwar, MP Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Shruti Gangwar, Bareilly Mayor Dr. Umesh Gautam, District Panchayat Chairperson Rashmi Patel, Legislative Council members Bahoran Lal Maurya and Kunwar Maharaj Singh, MLAs Sanjeev Agarwal, Dr. Raghavendra Sharma, Dr. D.C. Verma and Dr. M.P. Arya, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad and state Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna were present on the occasion.
Increase in honorarium reflects CM’s sensitivity: Suresh Kumar Khanna
Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna stated, “Under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, the landscape of UP has changed. Confidence across society in the state has increased, and the government has taken important steps to improve the living standards of the poor. By honoring Gram Praharis and increasing their honorarium by ₹1,000, CM has demonstrated his sensitivity. Given the dedication and work of Gram Praharis, increasing their honorarium by ₹1,000 is a commendable step. CM’s sensitivity is discussed not only across the state but also throughout the country and the world.”
Yogi government will return to power: Dharampal Singh
Cabinet Minister Dharampal Singh stated, “Samajwadi Party chief keeps changing the definition of PDA, whereas the real PDA stands with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The PDA played an important role in helping the BJP secure a massive majority in 2017 and 2022. In the upcoming Assembly elections, BJP will also form a government with a massive majority under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath. The improved law-and-order situation has changed the atmosphere in villages. Strict police action has instilled fear among criminals and strengthened the public’s sense of security.”
