Varanasi : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Vishwakarma Jayanti and the Swachhata Hi Seva Program-2024 at the Rudraksha Convention Center. He said, “The transformation of Kashi since 2014 is visible to all. Just as Kashi has undergone a remarkable change, so too has Uttar Pradesh and the entire nation. ”
He distributed e-vouchers, training certificates, and loan cheques to beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. Additionally, by the press of a button, he launched the Vidya Shakti Yojana in partnership with IIT Chennai in 104 council schools of Varanasi, while also inaugurating smart classrooms in 1,143 council schools.
He added, “Today, India takes pride in its blend of development and heritage, boasting world-class infrastructure. The vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” has become a reality. ”
CM Yogi said, “Under the leadership of PM Modi, India, once among the most backward nations, has become the fifth-largest economy in just ten years, and is on track to become the third-largest within the next three years. PM Modi has already outlined the roadmap for India’s future leading to 2047. The credit for the happiness of 140 crore Indians, including 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh, goes to Kashi, as it is represented in Parliament by PM Modi.”
The CM also unveiled QR codes installed in 54,000 houses in the Bhelupur zone of Varanasi Municipal Corporation, launched a QR code system for depositing shop rents, and kicked off a plantation drive at Kanchanpur Park and Sarang Talab under the Upvan Yojana.
He extended his wishes on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi, the birth anniversary of the creator of the universe, Lord Vishwakarma, and the birthday of the architect of modern India, Kashi MP Narendra Modi, praying for the PM’s good health and long life.
CM Yogi Adityanath reflected on the remarkable transformation of Kashi, saying, “Who could have imagined ten years ago that the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor would be developed so magnificently? That the city would have such exceptional connectivity through air and waterways, with beautifully designed four-lane roads and rejuvenated ghats?’
“The temples and monasteries have been beautifully restored, and our heritage is receiving the recognition it deserves. Who could have predicted the grandeur of the Prayagraj Kumbh, the construction of a majestic Shri Ramlala temple in Ayodhya, the removal of Article 370 in Kashmir, or the enhanced security of India’s borders? Today, 4 crore underprivileged families have homes, 10 crore households have toilets, 12 crore people have benefited from the Ujjwala Yojana, and 80 crore individuals receive free rations. All of this, which once seemed unimaginable, is now a reality.”
Reflecting on the period before 2014, CM Yogi remarked, “Anarchy was rampant, and the people had lost all faith in governance. The nation’s security was at risk, with terrorism, separatism, and extremism at their peak. Corruption defined the previous government, youth faced widespread unemployment, and businesses were in disarray.”
He added, “Basic facilities were lacking, self-employment was virtually nonexistent, and India was often a passive observer on the global stage, sitting at the back row. Rural areas lacked even the most basic infrastructure, and connectivity was non-existent. Governments of that time indulged in extreme appeasement, undermining India’s pride and conspiring to keep the nation from rising to its full potential.”
He further said, “Even an ordinary MP does not devote as much time to their constituency as PM Modi does to his. Under his leadership, Kashi has been elevated onto the global stage, while preserving its unique cultural and spiritual identity, as well as its connectivity by land, air, and water. India is continuously advancing under his vision.”
CM Yogi Adityanath stated that PM Modi has provided a visionary roadmap for the country, with Digital India being a key pillar of that vision. He added, “As part of this, the Vidya Shakti program, in collaboration with IIT Chennai, introduces an innovative approach for students in the first, second, and third grades. Simultaneously, smart classes are being launched across schools in the region. Education is the cornerstone of a progressive, civilized, cultured, and capable society. Through direct benefit transfer (DBT) and a range of other schemes, PM Modi has transformed the lives of the youth, sparking a new revolution that has given wings to their aspirations.”
CM Yogi further noted that the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is bringing to life Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj. Historically, villages were largely self-sufficient, with minimal reliance on government support. Now, artisans are receiving the respect, training, stipends, and toolkits they deserve. After skill development and training, they are connected to the banking system to further enhance their livelihoods, he pointed out.
Village artisans—carpenters, confectioners, goldsmiths, and more—are recognized as modern-day Vishwakarma. Through the PM Vishwakarma Samman, launched in 2023, 16-17 types of artisans and craftspeople have been identified, empowering them to lead dignified lives, CM remarked.
He also shared that the cleanliness campaign will be taken to new heights in all 694 villages of Kashi, ensuring both sanitation and hygiene. In this season, extra precautions are necessary to avoid viral diseases. Boiling, cooling, and filtering water will prevent illnesses like typhoid. Regular cleaning and fogging will help eliminate mosquitoes and flies, reducing the risks of malaria, dengue, kala-azar, and chikungunya. Preventive measures have already been initiated, and the Municipal Corporation is working towards achieving the goal of self-reliance in these efforts.
CM Yogi Adityanath noted that while the concept of smart cities was once a distant dream for the country, PM Modi has successfully developed 100 cities into smart cities, including 10 in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, all 17 municipal corporations in the state are being transformed into smart cities.
With the help of technology, door-to-door garbage collection, solid waste management, clean drinking water access, and traffic systems can now be monitored and operated from a single location through an integrated traffic management system. The collection of garbage can be tracked, and each household can be monitored via QR codes. The Municipal Corporation has already initiated a pilot project in one ward for this, and the taxation system will also be linked to it. The CM urged citizens to embrace these facilities.
He added, “The Kashi Municipal Corporation has emerged as a role model for the country in many aspects, but there is still room for growth. Technology is being utilized effectively here, enabling citizens to pay various taxes using QR codes. The Municipal Corporation manages 2,200 shops, and rent payments will now be made on time through an online portal. Under PM Modi’s leadership, Digital India and DBT are helping to combat corruption.”
CM Yogi also shared that the Municipal Corporation is planning a City Forest initiative to boost plantation efforts, a cause PM Modi frequently discusses in his Mann Ki Baat addresses.
Vehicles were flagged off to collect garbage and maintain cleanliness in both urban and rural areas.
CM Yogi highlighted that millions of people have supported the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, leading to the planting of over 35 crore saplings in a single day across Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized that oxygen is essential to life, urging people to plant trees to protect the environment and eliminate plastic. Responding to PM Modi’s call, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation has reclaimed illegally occupied land and is converting it into a City Forest.
CM Yogi directed the district administration, development authority, and Irrigation department to construct greenfield roads along both banks of the Varuna River. He emphasized the need for check dams at various points when the river’s water level is low, and the installation of gates to divert water through regulators when the Ganga’s water level is high. This system would prevent flooding for residents along the Varuna’s banks during periods of high water levels. Additionally, a comprehensive plan for road development and tree plantation can be undertaken to enhance transportation and restore the ancient glory of the Varuna River.
CM Yogi also highlighted the historical significance of the Varuna and Assi rivers as integral to Kashi’s identity, stressing the need to revive the Assi River as the next phase of the project.
CM Yogi further stated that PM Modi is committed to cleanliness, and the Swachh Bharat Mission has brought significant changes to the lives of ordinary citizens.
He urged everyone to actively participate in this initiative, ensuring that centers of faith, railway stations, public spaces, and roads remain free from litter, while also encouraging others to maintain cleanliness. The success of the Swachh Bharat Mission, he noted, relies on public participation and the dedication of volunteers.
On this occasion, Yogi government minister Ravindra Jaiswal, Mayor Ashok Tiwari, District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, MLA Saurabh Srivastava, Neelkanth Tiwari, Awadhesh Singh, T. Ram, Legislative Council member Hansraj Vishwakarma, Ashwini Tyagi, Dharmendra Singh, BJP Metropolitan President Vidyasagar Rai etc. were present.
