Public Perceptions About Uttar Pradesh Under CM Yogi's Leadership Changed Due to Economic Upswing

It was long believed that Uttar Pradesh (UP), the most populous and northern state of India, was a "Bimaro" (ailing) state that was economically and socially backward. Most people were aware of the state's issues with instability, the domination of the mafia, lawlessness, corruption, inter-communal violence, poor connectivity, etc. Since the BJP appointed Yogi Adityanath as the state's chief minister in March 2017, a lot has transpired. Since then, the state has contributed greatly to the country's economic progress. UP has the second-biggest GDP among all the Indian states. According to current estimates, Uttar Pradesh's gross state domestic product (GSDP) will total Rs. 25.56 trillion (about US$320 billion) in 2023–2024. US$21.03 billion worth of commodities were exported by the state in FY22. In 2022–2023, the gross state domestic product (GSDP) grew by 16.8%, and at current prices, growth is predicted to reach 19% in 2023–2024 (IEBF, 2024). The state was once listed as one of the economically challenged states, but under the charismatic leadership of CM Yogi, its economy has rebounded to become the second-largest in the country. In contrast to past governments that squandered funds on parks, Murti (idols), and other frivolous projects, the perception has been that CM Yogi made excellent use of public funds. The following are other main achievements of the state under Yogi’s dynamic leadership:

* While UP does better than other states in several areas, it ranks second in terms of per capita income. According to research published by the Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy, there has been a 100% increase in per capita income and a decrease in unemployment from 17.5% to 4.1%.

* The state's total crime rate has decreased thanks to Yogi's administration's comprehensive "Buldozer Approach" strategy against organized crime. With zero tolerance for any kind of criminal conduct, it sends a message to the world that the state is very safe for its citizens and visitors. Since assuming office, the Yogi administration has been tough on the "mafia," seizing properties valued at more than Rs. 1849 crore. For the 2022–2023 year, Uttar Pradesh had India's 18th-highest crime rate, according to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB). Additionally, during Yogi's more than six years in power, there have been no riots; under earlier administrations, the state was well-known for these kinds of communal unrest. These data made it abundantly evident that Yogi's leadership had a major positive impact on the state's law and order situation and that public opinions had significantly shifted.

*Rather than just taking it all in, it has consistently made investments in fields such as social welfare, health, rural development, and education to raise its stature in the field of human development. During COVID-19, the state initiated a record 44 development initiatives, and Yogi's strategy was praised globally. As a result, the state has been working nonstop to develop industries in a variety of state sectors and, on the other hand, to develop young people's talents widely in order to position them as skilled laborers in these industrial units. Under the Chief Minister's Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, almost 38,000 youth from the state were connected to companies and other establishments. This partnership resulted in the youth receiving training, and as of right now, the state of Uttar Pradesh has 38 new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) (Daily Pioneer, 2023, 9 February).

*At Summit 2023, more than 22,000 Memorandums of Understanding worth around Rs 35 lakh crore were signed in Lucknow, the state capital, in February 2023 (Economic Times, 2023, 13 February).?More than one million new jobs will be possible as a result. Uttar Pradesh has 9.6 million MSME units, the most in the nation. Every state district has a distinct personality for its customary product. By designating these goods as "One District, One Product (ODOPs)," the state government has taken the initiative to elevate these goods to a new level.

*The young skill development in the state has greatly benefited from the Yogi administration. Nearly 1.5 million young people had received training by 2022–2023, and over half a million had obtained employment training. It also says that a few industrial training institutes in the state have started to provide "training in drone technology." The U.P. government is reportedly working on the "World Skill Center Project," which might improve and refine youth skills necessary for the global labor market. This initiative may incorporate international companies that provide skill development in hospitality and tourism, retail services, etc., such as TUV SUD Germany and EHL Switzerland (Hindustan Times, 2023, 26 April).

* UP leads the nation in sugarcane production, according to Chief Minister Yogi, and more than 1.75 crore families have received free gas connections through the Ujjala Yojana. In addition, Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in building highways and airports, and it has made significant progress in developing world-class infrastructure and connectivity. It also leads to the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) payment system for grants that are given to farmers for inputs.

* Treatment under the Ayushman Bharat program has been provided to almost 21.40 lakh needy individuals. In addition, almost one crore Ayushman cards have been given out.

*Under Yogi's leadership, the state and central governments have provided free housing amenities to a total of 55 lakh impoverished individuals in Uttar Pradesh through housing initiatives since 2017. Additionally, under PMAY-G, over one lakh dwellings were transferred to Uttar Pradesh after being rejected by 24 states and union territories (Economic Times, 2023, 25 November).

*Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in food grain output as well as milk production, and its agricultural sector has improved. Through the implementation of a multi-pronged strategy, the UP government made an unparalleled contribution to developing the rural economy. This entails encouraging agricultural exports via digital payments, making sure farmers gain directly from Mandis, funding irrigation and infrastructure improvements in rural areas, and encouraging private investment in these areas without discrimination or preference.

* The state is number one in giving the benefits of the Atal Pension Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana.

* Before, the people's supply of energy was useless due to the low voltage from a single 50 KV transformer supporting a 150 KV load, as well as a weak electrical infrastructure that frequently had line breaks. But these are all now relics from the past. The Yogi administration is currently working quickly to provide inexpensive, round-the-clock electricity to the entire state. Furthermore, the state is almost done connecting 80% of rural residents to tap water, and by 2024, every home in the U.P. should have access to tap water.

* According to Invest UP CEO Abhishek Prakash, UP is robust in sectors including food processing, agronomy, solar energy, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. Uttar Pradesh is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world because of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and innovative projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. The state is home to several international airports, the biggest expressway system, a robust infrastructure, and a vast road network. (Times of India, 2024, 31 January). It also provides excellent connectivity. Furthermore, according to media sources, UP has laboriously established an environment that is investor-friendly by implementing streamlined administrative procedures, sector-specific regulations, and infrastructure projects. This comprehensive approach has simplified the UP investment process.

* The state is getting closer to its objective of building a $1 trillion economy, which will determine how India's growth will proceed in the future. Its extensive and well-developed policy framework is probably going to remain stable and consistent. One of the noteworthy changes is that UP is currently rated second in the nation, and its rise is attributed to the ease of doing business.?

* PM Modi and CM Yogi's success in building the "Ram Temple" in Ayodhya has increased the legitimacy of Yogi's government. This event has led to significant revenue growth from tourism development in Uttar Pradesh, with experts expecting income to rise tenfold in the next three years. This growth will enable MSMEs to expand and create jobs, and the real estate sector is also expected to boom in the state.

Concluding Remarks

The state of Uttar Pradesh has transformed from being among the least developed to a new development model capable of improving the lives of 23 crore people and restructuring the economy. This transformation has been achieved through trust, development, good governance, commitments, orderly administration, and innovative ideas. The state's greatest achievement is changing perceptions of the state as a fast-developing one, attracting interest and participation from both local and foreign investors through its development projects. Uttar Pradesh has seen several social and economic advancements as a result of an effective government.

Reference

Daily Pioneer (2023, 9 February).nbsp; UP Govt. honing skills of youth to prepare skilled manpower. Retrieved from: (https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/state-editions/up-govt-honing-skills-of-youth--to-prepare-skilled-manpower.html).

Economic Times (2023, 13 February). UP global investor summit 2023: 18,643 MoUs worth Rs 32 lakh cr signed. Retrieved from: (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/up-global-investor-summit-2023-18643-mous-worth-rs-32-lakh-cr-signed/total-investment/slideshow/97877615.cms).

Economic Times (2023, 25 November). Over 55 lakh people have received houses in last six years: Uttar Pradesh CM. Retrieved from: ?(https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/residential/over-55-lakh-people-have-received-houses-in-last-six-years-uttar-pradesh-cm/105489122).

Hindustan Times (2023, 26 April). U.P. govt. working on world skill centre project. Retrieved from: (https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/up-govt-plans-world-skill-centre-to-provide-advanced-skill-training-for-global-employment-101682515774728.html).

IEBF (2024).? Uttar Pradesh.? Indian Brand Equity Foundation.? Retrieved from; https://www.ibef.org/states/uttar-pradesh.

Times of India (2024, 31 January). Under Yogi, UP has transformed into a hub of investment, says Rajnath. Retrieved from: (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/yogi-adityanaths-leadership-transforms-uttar-pradesh-into-a-global-investment-hub/articleshow/107277565.cms).

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