Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed land ownership certificates to 1,635 families displaced from Pakistan and former servicemen/leaseholders during a special programme in Bijnor. He also inaugurated a Common Service Centre and the Vidur Prerna Café, which is being operated by women from self-help groups.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the occasion as an emotional and historic moment for thousands of families who had waited generations for legal ownership of their land.
“Today is a deeply emotional and joyous day for us. After decades, the fourth generation of 1,645 displaced families has finally received ownership rights to their land. The remaining eligible families will be covered in the next phase,” he said.
According to the Chief Minister, the initiative will directly benefit nearly 8,000 to 10,000 people belonging to families that were forced to leave Pakistan before and after India’s Partition.
The Chief Minister also distributed allotment letters and financial assistance cheques to beneficiaries of various government schemes. Before the event, he visited a development exhibition showcasing ongoing welfare and infrastructure projects in the district.
Highlighting the significance of the programme, Yogi Adityanath said many displaced Hindu and Sikh families had lost their ancestral properties due to religious persecution and were forced to migrate to India during the years surrounding Partition. He credited the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for enabling many displaced families from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to secure citizenship and legal recognition in India.
The Chief Minister described Bijnor as the sacred land of Mahatma Vidur, the revered statesman of the Mahabharata, known for the timeless principle: “Dharma protects those who protect it.” He said the district has played a significant role in shaping India’s history and continues to inspire through its cultural and spiritual heritage.
Praising the people of Bijnor, he said the district is known for its skilled artisans, hardworking farmers, innovative entrepreneurs, energetic youth, traders and social workers. He assured residents that Bijnor would continue to receive priority in development initiatives.
The Chief Minister highlighted several infrastructure projects underway in the district, including improved flood-control measures, expansion of road connectivity, railway infrastructure upgrades and efforts to connect Bijnor with the ambitious Ganga Expressway project. He also noted that the district now has a medical college named after Mahatma Vidur.
Remembering former Member of Parliament Kunwar Sarvesh Singh, Yogi Adityanath said the newly inaugurated Common Service Centre would serve as a hub for artisans and craftsmen, providing them access to modern technology, advanced designs and machinery to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Addressing employment opportunities, the Chief Minister said Uttar Pradesh has created a transparent recruitment system that offers equal opportunities to youth across the state. He noted that many young people from Bijnor have recently been recruited into the Uttar Pradesh Police and other government services.
“Earlier, recruitment processes were often associated with nepotism and corruption. Today, merit and transparency ensure that every deserving youth has an opportunity to succeed,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s support for outstanding athletes, stating that sportspersons bringing laurels to the country at international events are being offered direct appointments to senior positions, including Deputy Superintendent of Police ranks.
Referring to the welfare initiatives of the Central Government over the past 12 years, he said development programmes have reached people across all sections of society without discrimination based on caste, region, language, faith or religion. He emphasized that Bijnor has an equal claim on development and welfare schemes.
The Chief Minister further announced that land has been reserved for a new mandi in the district and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, noting that sugarcane growers are receiving payments at rates of up to ₹400 per quintal.
Marking the beginning of celebrations commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh, he said several programmes would be organized throughout the year. He also announced that the state government is preparing to undertake modernization and expansion projects for sugar mills across western Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the region’s agrarian economy.
The programme was also addressed by MSME Minister Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary and Minister of State for Revenue Surendra Diler. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education and Skill Development Kapil Dev Agarwal, public representatives and distinguished citizens were also present on the occasion.
The event underscored the government’s efforts to provide long-awaited justice to displaced families, strengthen rural development, promote employment and accelerate infrastructure growth in western Uttar Pradesh.
