UP Transforms From BIMARU State To India's Growth Engine: Yogi Adityanath

(MENAFN- KNN India) Jhansi, Mar 12 (KNN) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared on Tuesday that Uttar Pradesh has transformed from a BIMARU state to become the growth engine of India, highlighting the government's commitment to making youth self-sufficient through entrepreneurship initiatives.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of a joint credit camp for Jhansi and Chitrakoot divisions under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan in Jhansi.

During the event, CM Adityanath distributed loans to 1,070 beneficiaries and toured an exhibition showcasing the scheme's impact.

He emphasised that under this program, youth in Bundelkhand have received interest-free and collateral-free loans of Rs 5 lakh each, with a 10 per cent grant as margin money, making the scheme accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs facing capital constraints.

The state government has set an ambitious target of providing loans to one lakh youths under this scheme between January and March 31. Out of 2.7 lakh applications received, 30,000 youths have already been issued loans.

The Chief Minister announced plans to connect 1,000 youths from each district with financial assistance by March 25, marking eight years of his government's formation.

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's MSME policy, the Chief Minister noted that the state currently has 96 lakh MSME units generating employment for crores of people.

He contrasted current development efforts with previous administrations, which he criticised for pushing the state into backwardness and allowing mafia rule to flourish.

Bundelkhand, once known for dacoit activity and criminal networks, is witnessing unprecedented development through key initiatives such as the Bundelkhand Expressway, Defence Corridor, and Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority.

The Chief Minister revealed plans for the country's largest industrial city, spanning 56,000 acres between Jhansi and Kanpur, which aims to bring an economic revolution to the region.

The state government has also undertaken various infrastructure projects in Bundelkhand, including a pharma park, medical college, convention center, and the Har Ghar Nal Yojana.

CM Adityanath noted that the region, which once struggled with water scarcity, will soon have universal access to clean drinking water as the Har Ghar Nal Yojana nears completion. Additionally, the Ken-Betwa Project is advancing rapidly to ensure irrigation water reaches every farm.

The Chief Minister announced that the Minimum Support Price for wheat this year has increased from Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,550 per quintal. Further welfare initiatives include plans for Mata Shabari Canteens in markets to provide affordable meals to farmers and seven hostels for working women in honor of Mata Ahilyabai.

To achieve the vision of zero poverty, underprivileged families will receive houses, toilets, job cards, Ayushman health cards, and ration cards.

Referring to the recently concluded Maha Kumbh, CM Adityanath highlighted that India's Sanatan tradition is gaining global recognition, with more than 66.3 crore people participating in the event-far exceeding Uttar Pradesh's population of 25 crore.

He commended the people of Jhansi and Bundelkhand for their hospitality and contribution to the event's success, while also applauding the security arrangements that reportedly prevented any incidents of robbery, molestation, kidnapping, or murder during the event.

The Chief Minister concluded his visit by inaugurating the newly constructed Smart City Hospital and Pathology Centre, four spoke collection centers, and a modern space museum developed under the Smart City initiative.

(KNN Bureau)

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