Lucknow: In a major step towards supporting Uttar Pradesh’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy, the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission (UPSTC) and the University of Lucknow signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Yojana Bhawan to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development.
Under the agreement, the University of Lucknow will establish the Centre for Development and Policy Research (CDPR), which will function as the state government’s principal policy think tank for the next three years.
The MoU was signed in the presence of UPSTC Chief Executive Officer Manoj Singh, University of Lucknow Vice-Chancellor Professor J.P. Saini, CDPR Director Professor Arvind Mohan, Registrar Dr Bhawana Mishra and Ranking Cell Director Professor Geetanjali Mishra.
Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Singh said robust research plays a crucial role in effective policymaking and highlighted emerging opportunities in sectors such as urban construction, e-commerce, robotics, travel and tourism, and cloud services. He noted that Uttar Pradesh currently accounts for 55 per cent of India’s mobile phone production, adding that the new research partnership would contribute significantly to achieving the state’s $1 trillion economy target.
Professor Arvind Mohan said the centre’s initial focus would be on conducting in-depth policy research in 25 of the state’s most backward districts, including those in Purvanchal and Bundelkhand, to recommend targeted development interventions. Vice-Chancellor Professor J.P. Saini reaffirmed the university’s commitment to leveraging its academic expertise to support the state’s development agenda.
The CDPR will prepare Uttar Pradesh’s official annual Economic Survey, publish a yearly ranking of all 75 districts based on key development indicators, and produce the State Development Report, Human Development Report and Regional Development Report over the next three years.
The centre will be governed by a board jointly chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow and the CEO of the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission. Professor Arvind Mohan will serve as the team leader, while the commission will provide full financial support for the initiative.
