CM unveils development agenda

Unlike in the past when only ministers occupied the stage at such events,the agenda was released in the presence of senior officials,including Chief Secretary Jawed Usmani,who also took queries from the media.

Usmani said: “The CM had expected a turnaround in UP’s situation from me. But the state is like a big aircraft carrier,it cannot change direction instantly. We began working on the development agenda in April last year. But in the first year,there was inertia among officials and demoralisation in the department. We are not satisfied with the progress of the first year. Now we have ample time and will work as per the agenda.”

Regarding the work culture among officials,Usmani said he uses all means — by hook or by crook — to get the work done. “I personally take meetings,monitor every project. I cajole them,scold them ,and even threaten the officials to get the work done. I use saam,daam,dand,bhed to complete the work,” he said.

In the development agenda,the state highlighted setting up an IT City on 100 acres at Chak Gajariya farm land. “It has been given SEZ status by the Centre and in the coming days it will be a game-changer of Lucknow,” he said.

Implementation of 26 centrally sponsored schemes,which includes National Rural Health Mission (NRHM),Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and Multi-Sectoral Development Plan (MSDP),has also been accorded high priority.

A target of realising Rs 72,861 crore as tax collection has been set.

Principal Secretary of Urban Development Sadakant informed that all formalities,including constitution of a special purpose vehicle (SPV),for the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation,will be done in a month.

He added that most likely work will begin on the north-south corridor from Charbagh to Munshi Puliya in December — a total of 22.87 km with 3.44 km underground — at the cost of Rs 6,757 crore.

A model of Lucknow Metro route from Charbagh to IT College was put on display.

“Earlier,they used to tell me things in air and I asked them to prepare a model on scale for better understanding,” Akhilesh stated.

Principal Secretary of Medical and Health Praveer Kumar said that soon 102 ambulance service on the pattern of 108-Emergency Medical Transport System (EMTS) will be launched with 972 ambulances in the first phase. These ambulances will provide free transport service with emergency medical facilities solely to expectant women and sick children.

Principal Secretary of Power Sanjay Aggrawal said the state will get 1,000 MW power with the completion of Anpara D and Harduaganj projects. “By 2017,there will not be any shortage of power,” Aggrawal added.

Other development works include connecting all habitats above 5,000 population with painted roads by PWD,Lucknow-Agra Expressway,extending E-Stamping facility to more districts,and exploring more avenues for solar power.