By Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow: Reflecting on the past eight years of governance, it is remarkable how swiftly time has passed in the dedicated service of 25 crore residents of Uttar Pradesh. With an unwavering commitment to duty, prioritizing the underprivileged, and ensuring security, prosperity, and development, Uttar Pradesh has successfully changed the perception surrounding the state. Once labeled a ‘BIMARU’ state, Uttar Pradesh is now a premier destination for business and investment, recognized both nationally and internationally as the ‘Growth Gear’ of India.
When we assumed office, the state was engulfed in disorder, lawlessness, and crime. However, through a secure environment, robust infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and investor-friendly policies, we have transformed Uttar Pradesh into a dream destination for investors. The state has received investment proposals exceeding ₹45 lakh crore in the past eight years, with over ₹15 lakh crore already materialized, creating over 60 lakh jobs and employment opportunities for countless others.
It is an established fact that progress is built on a foundation of security, and seamless connectivity accelerates this growth. Uttar Pradesh today stands as a testament to this ideology. Inspired by the great thinker Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s vision of ‘Antyodaya’—uplifting the last person in the social hierarchy—our double-engine government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has successfully lifted over six crore people above the poverty line in the past eight years.
Through various welfare schemes, the government has provided 15 crore underprivileged citizens with free monthly ration, distributed over 1.86 crore free LPG connections, and ensured direct benefits to 2.86 crore farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Additionally, over 5.21 crore people have been provided health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and more than 56.50 lakh families have been given free housing, improving the lives of millions across the state.
Uttar Pradesh has also taken a pioneering step by ensuring residential land ownership for every beneficiary under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Chief Minister Awas Yojana, making it the first state in the country to do so. This is the true realization of ‘Antyodaya.’
Healthcare has seen unprecedented growth. From only 12 medical colleges in the state before 2017, Uttar Pradesh now boasts 44 government medical colleges and 36 private medical institutions, making a total of 80 operational medical colleges. AIIMS has become functional in Gorakhpur and Raebareli, fulfilling the vision of ‘One District, One Medical College.’
Agriculture remains our top priority. Currently, 122 sugar mills are operational in Uttar Pradesh. Since March 2017, three new sugar mills have been established, six have been revived, and 38 have undergone capacity expansion, generating direct and indirect employment for 1.25 lakh people. In the past eight years, 46.50 lakh sugarcane farmers have received payments totaling ₹2,80,223 crore.
Women empowerment has been at the core of our policies. Several welfare schemes such as the Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Yojana, Destitute Women Pension Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and PM SVANidhi Yojana have significantly improved the lives of women across the state. More than 95 lakh women in rural areas have been integrated into the Rural Livelihood Mission, while 2,510 fair price shops have been allocated to women self-help groups under the Public Distribution System, empowering them financially and socially.
The state has witnessed a significant transformation in the employment sector. Over 96 lakh MSMEs have been established, converting youth from job seekers to job creators. In 2016, Uttar Pradesh’s unemployment rate stood at 18%, which has now plummeted to 3%. A transparent and fair recruitment process has facilitated the employment of more than 8.5 lakh youth in government jobs, including 1.38 lakh women. To ensure integrity in public examinations, the Uttar Pradesh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act has been implemented, restoring faith in the examination system.
These eight years have been a period of progress in faith, identity, economy, and cultural consciousness. During this time, the long-awaited moment arrived when Lord Ram was reinstated in his grand temple in Ayodhya, a culmination of centuries of struggle and devotion. The majestic Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the grand organization of Mahakumbh, the transformation of Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura-Vrindavan, and the spectacular celebrations of ‘Deepotsav’ and ‘Rangotsav’ are all testaments to the success of the past eight years.
Despite achieving significant milestones, the government has not imposed any new taxes. Fuel prices in Uttar Pradesh remain among the lowest in the country, yet the state continues to thrive as a revenue surplus economy. This success is a reflection of the ‘Ram Rajya’ ideology, where governance is centered around the welfare of the people.
Every citizen is an active participant in Uttar Pradesh’s development journey. Farmers are not just food providers but pioneers of a self-reliant India. Our ultimate goal is to establish Uttar Pradesh as the country’s largest economy and fulfill the aspirations of 250 million residents.
With unwavering determination, Uttar Pradesh is marching forward towards becoming a ‘Developed State’—a beacon of growth, opportunity, and prosperity for the entire nation.
