UP Emerges as a Leading State in Every Sector: CM Yogi
Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that until 2017, UP was considered a backward and underdeveloped state, but in the past eight years, it has emerged as a leading state in every sector. Before 2017, UP was perceived as a laggard in the country’s development, but post-2017, it has secured either the top position or a leading role in over 45 central government schemes.
Speaking at a public gathering in Gorakhpur’s Mahant Digvijaynath Park after inaugurating the three-day ‘Utkarshta ke Aath Varsh’ (Eight Years of Excellence) development festival, CM Yogi highlighted that under the inspiration and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has completed eight years of service, security, and good governance for its 25 crore citizens. He congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh for their support, which has enabled the state to shine as the “New Uttar Pradesh” of “New India.”
CM Yogi remarked that while the state and its administrative machinery remained the same, a change in governance in 2017 removed all barriers to development under the double-engine government led by PM Modi. Earlier, farmers were forced to commit suicide, youth faced an identity crisis, poverty led to hunger, and the security of daughters and traders was at risk. However, today, thanks to the government’s schemes, farmers have become self-reliant, women are empowered, youth are getting employment, and the poor are prospering. Uttar Pradesh’s law and order situation has become a model for the nation.
The CM acknowledged that the transformation of UP was not easy. Before 2017, riots were frequent, and every district was controlled by a mafia. Illegal land grabs, unlawful mining, cattle smuggling, and threats to women and traders were rampant. The 2017 government took strict action against mafias, eradicated poverty, and implemented major employment schemes, making UP a leader in all sectors.
Marking the completion of eight years of progress in UP, CM Yogi stated that these years of rapid development surpass the work done in the previous 70 years. The people of UP have always supported the double-engine government, guided by PM Modi and blessed by the people. As a result, a state once considered a liability to India’s progress has now become the country’s growth engine. UP, previously seen as a roadblock to development, is now driving breakthroughs in various sectors. The state’s progress, driven by its youth, workers, and farmers, has contributed to making UP the second-largest economy in India.
CM Yogi pointed out that while the previous government promoted ‘One District-One Mafia’, his government introduced ‘One District-One Product’ (ODOP) and ‘One District-One Medical College’ schemes, accelerating UP’s progress. These initiatives have brought about a major transformation in the state. Before 2017, there was hardly any investment in UP, but today, it has become the top destination for investors. Similarly, UP’s tourism sector has emerged as the most attractive tourist destination in the country.
Highlighting infrastructural advancements, the CM said that before 2017, UP lacked quality roads. Today, it boasts the highest number of expressways, the best rail and air connectivity, and the most metro rail projects in India. Uttar Pradesh is now the number one state in food grain, potato, sugarcane, and ethanol production.
According to CM Yogi, this transformation was made possible through teamwork, public cooperation, and strong administrative willpower. The government has no shortage of funds for development. As a result, a new Uttar Pradesh has emerged, reflecting New India’s progress.
Speaking about Gorakhpur’s transformation, CM Yogi mentioned that before 2017, the fertilizer plant was shut down, but now it is operational. The city has an SSB office, a Sainik School, and a Kendriya Vidyalaya operating within a single campus. Gorakhpur, which had only two universities before 2017, now has four universities, with a Forestry University under construction. The road connectivity in Gorakhpur has vastly improved, with four-lane highways linking it to Lucknow, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Sonouli, and Deoria. Inside the city, road networks have expanded significantly.
Previously, traveling from the airport to the medical college or Gorakhnath temple took over an hour. Now, due to four-lane roads, the journey takes just 10 minutes. The Sports College, Jail Bypass Road, Harbart Bund, and Madhopur Bund are undergoing major expansions. The Pandey Hata to Aryanagar to Dharmshala corridor and the Gorakhnath Temple to Haduwa Phatak to HN Singh Square road development projects are progressing rapidly. Today, both urban and rural roads in Gorakhpur have been upgraded to four-lane or two-lane highways. Thousands of crores have been invested in overbridges and flyovers, with new bridges under construction near Rajghat and Gorakhnath Flyover. A new flyover is being built near Gorakhnath, making it possible for travelers from Nepal to reach Lucknow without entering Gorakhpur city.
Listing achievements in welfare schemes, CM Yogi revealed that Gorakhpur has received its first Atal Residential School and Ayush University, with over one lakh people benefitting from housing schemes. Across UP, 56 lakh poor families have received housing, 15 crore people receive free ration, over 1 crore receive annual pensions, and 22 lakh girls benefit from the Chief Minister Sumangala Scheme, while 4.75 lakh girls have been supported through mass marriage schemes. From April 1, 2024, the government will increase the financial assistance for mass marriages to ₹1 lakh per couple.
Lastly, CM Yogi announced that a film city is being developed in UP to preserve and promote art and culture, emphasizing that a society thrives through artistic expression. Therefore, it is essential to support and encourage artists.
