Parikshit Khatana, a young IAS officer and Chief Development Officer of Azamgarh, is working on a simple idea with a powerful impact. A 2020 batch officer with an All India Rank of 184, he began his journey in Agra and is now leading change at the grassroots by turning everyday challenges of waste into opportunities for rural growth.
During field visits in Azamgarh, he noticed one clear issue. Thousands of gaushalas were struggling with unmanaged cow dung. This was not just creating unhygienic conditions but also showing how a valuable resource was being wasted due to lack of proper systems.
“I felt there had to be a way to convert this challenge into an opportunity,” Parikshit Khatana shared with Indian Masterminds. This led to ‘Godhan Sankalp.’
The idea was simple: Self Help Groups collect cow dung at a small price, convert it into vermicompost, and sell it to Gram Panchayats. It creates a complete cycle where production, demand, and income are connected.
“This initiative is a result of convergence, with departments working together with a shared objective rather than in isolation,” he said.
Today, around 1800 SHGs are part of this model. It is building a rural economy worth about ₹2.7 crore every year. Women are earning, villages are cleaner, and gaushalas are also benefiting by monetizing cow dung, earning an additional ₹32.30 lakh.
The model works because there is a clear system and assured demand. This has encouraged participation and growth. At the same time, better compost is improving soil health and helping plantations survive longer.
The initiative has already been presented to senior state leadership, opening the door for expansion to other regions. Today, more than a policy, Godhan Sankalp is a simple idea creating real impact on the ground.
Parikshit’s idea might not be a new one. But he has been able to implement the idea, convince the villagers about it and shown results in terms of it being economically viable. All it takes is a responsible officer to create a change and transform lives!
References –
https://thesecretariat.in/bureautrack/parikshit-khatana-01up119v07
