Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that all UP government departments would play a role in organising the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh in January 2025 and added that these should prioritise their projects related to the Maha Kumbh and ensure that these are monitored by the Chief Secretary's office. Adityanath was speaking during a meeting to review the status of the approvals issued by the government and funds allocated in relation to the budget provision in the 2024-25 fiscal. As many devotees and tourists attending the Maha Kumbh would also visit Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura and Vindhyavasini Dham, it is essential to thoroughly review the facilities and security at these holy places, the CM told officials. Adityanath also reviewed the funds received from the Centre compared to the targets. After reviewing each department, the CM issued instructions, including speeding up development projects and making sure the projects are completed “on time and with good quality.” The CM pointed out that seven months of the 2024-25 fiscal have passed and all departments must use their budget funds properly. He emphasised the need for faster allocation and expenditure [of funds]. Departments were directed to regularly check their expenditure levels. For those departments that have spent less than 55 per cent of their budget so far, the ministers in charge should personally review their department’s status. He instructed officials to increase the number of registry offices in Gautam Buddh Nagar district and the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA). He directed to quicken up the development process for BIDA and emphasised the need for frequent reviews of the progress. The CM said that the credit-deposit (CD) ratio of the state has reached 60 per cent. He urged all districts to make similar efforts, encouraging local officials to communicate with banks and ensure that people receive the benefits. He emphasised that the CD ratio in every district should be at least equal to the state average. He called for a district-wise review of its current status and urged officials to assess the demand for ODOP products to ensure adequate supply. He emphasised that all districts need to work to increase exports. CM Yogi directed the quick distribution of tablets and smartphones to youth under the Swami Vivekanand Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana. He stated that these devices should provide information about the government's public welfare schemes and programs. He stated that departmental ministers and officers should communicate with the Ministers / Officers in the Government of India to prevent projects from being stalled due to a lack of central funding. He emphasized that work should continue by releasing the state share according to the rules, and all departments must ensure timely submission of 100% utilisation certificates.
