Women Empowerment, Farmer Welfare, Youth Opportunities and Infrastructure Development Highlighted During Media Interaction
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Lucknow District In-charge Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said that the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have ushered in a new era of development, good governance, and inclusive welfare in India.
Addressing the media at the VVIP Guest House in Naimisharanya on the occasion of the completion of 12 years of the Modi government, Khanna said that since 2014, the country has witnessed a transformative work culture focused on service, transparency, and the welfare of the poorest citizens. He noted that government schemes have reached the last person in the queue, bringing positive changes to the lives of millions across the nation.
Women’s Empowerment at the Centre of Governance
Highlighting achievements in women’s welfare, Khanna said the government has accorded the highest priority to women’s empowerment. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, more than 42.8 million women have received benefits nationwide.
He also pointed to the impact of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, which has contributed to a significant increase in girls’ enrolment in secondary schools. In Uttar Pradesh alone, more than 28.5 million women and girls have been reached through awareness and empowerment initiatives.
Under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, over 45 million accounts have been opened across the country, while more than 2.68 million girls in Uttar Pradesh have benefited from the scheme, he added.
Major Initiatives for Farmers
The minister said the central government has implemented several landmark measures to strengthen agriculture and improve farmers’ incomes.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, insured farmers across the country have received compensation exceeding ₹1.83 lakh crore. More than 250 million Soil Health Cards have been distributed to help farmers improve productivity, while the Kisan Credit Card scheme has provided easier access to institutional credit.
Focus on Welfare of the Poor
Describing welfare initiatives as a defining feature of the Modi government, Khanna said that over 53.7 million houses have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana nationwide. In Uttar Pradesh, nearly 6.2 million families have benefited from the housing scheme.
He further stated that under the Ayushman Bharat programme, more than 450 million people have received health coverage across India, including over 55.9 million beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh.
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana continues to provide free food grains to 813.5 million people nationwide, including approximately 36.3 million ration card-holder families in the state, he said.
Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation
Khanna emphasized that youth development has remained a key priority. More than 20 million young people have received skill training under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, while the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has enabled millions of entrepreneurs and youth to access collateral-free loans for self-employment.
He said initiatives such as Startup India and Stand-Up India have transformed young people from job seekers into job creators. Uttar Pradesh now has more than 21,000 registered startups.
According to the minister, the state’s unemployment rate has declined from 6 percent in 2017 to 3.1 percent in 2025, reflecting expanding economic opportunities and investment.
Rapid Infrastructure Growth
The minister highlighted the remarkable expansion of India’s infrastructure under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He said the number of airports in the country has increased from 74 in 2014 to more than 160 today.
Similarly, the national expressway network has expanded from around 1,000 kilometres in 2014 to over 6,700 kilometres. Internet users have grown from approximately 250 million to more than one billion, while the Digital India campaign has significantly improved transparency, accessibility, and accountability in governance.
Uttar Pradesh Emerging as a Growth Engine
Khanna said Uttar Pradesh has also witnessed unprecedented development under the combined leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
He cited major infrastructure projects including the Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Gorakhpur Link Expressway, and the upcoming Ganga Expressway as catalysts for economic growth.
Under the Smart Cities Mission, 682 projects have been undertaken across 10 cities in Uttar Pradesh, with 676 already completed. He also highlighted initiatives such as the Defence Corridor, Data Centre Parks, and Metro Rail projects as key drivers of industrial and urban development.
A Story of Trust and Participation
Concluding his address, Khanna said that the Modi government’s 12-year journey is not merely a record of achievements but a story of trust, public participation, and collective national resolve.
“India has established itself as one of the world’s leading economies. Guided by the principles of service, good governance, and welfare for the poor, the nation is steadily moving toward the goal of becoming a developed India,” he said.
The minister noted that the achievements of the past decade reflect the aspirations and confidence of 1.4 billion Indians and underscore the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
