Opinion Yogi Adityanath writes: The making of Viksit Uttar Pradesh

UP’s development journey is proof of turning vision into reality. We inherited a state plagued by lawlessness, disorder and crime. Yet, through a secure environment, robust infrastructure, seamless connectivity and business-friendly policies, we have reshaped it into a thriving investment hub. In the last eight years, we have received investment proposals exceeding Rs 45 lakh crore, with over Rs 15 lakh crore already implemented. This has directly provided jobs to more than 60 lakh youth and created countless employment opportunities. It is well established that security fosters development, while efficient connectivity accelerates progress. The New Uttar Pradesh stands as living proof of this transformation.

Social welfare: The timeless wisdom of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya — that true antyodaya lies in uplifting the person at the bottom — forms the foundation of our government’s vision. Over six crore people have been lifted above the poverty line in the past eight years. Under the antyodaya model, 15 crore underprivileged citizens now receive free monthly food grains, 1.86 crore families have free gas connections, and over 2.86 crore farmers benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi every month. Additionally, 5.21 crore beneficiaries are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, securing medical protection of up to Rs 5 lakh, while over 56.50 lakh families have received free housing.

Healthcare infrastructure: Unlocking UP’s potential requires a strong foundation of human capital. A significant transformation has taken place in healthcare infrastructure — while there were only 12 medical colleges in the state until 2017, today there are 80, including 44 government and 36 private institutions. With AIIMS operational in Gorakhpur and Rae Bareli, the vision of “One District, One Medical College” is becoming a reality. Through Ayushman Bharat and other healthcare initiatives, we are ensuring affordable, quality treatment for every citizen in their own district.

Strengthening farmers: Our farmers are the backbone of a self-reliant India. In the sugar sector, Uttar Pradesh now has 122 operational sugar mills. Since March 2017, three new mills have been established, six revived, and 38 expanded — creating employment for 1.25 lakh people. Sugarcane farmers have received payments totalling Rs 2,80,223 crore, Rs 66,703 crore more than was disbursed in the 22 years between 1995 and 2017.

Empowerment of women: A progressive society flourishes when its women are empowered. Over the past eight years, the UP government has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring women’s security, dignity, and self-reliance through Mission Shakti. By offering free education up to graduation, we have expanded opportunities for young women, enabling them to pursue their aspirations without financial constraints. Additionally, initiatives like Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, Nirashrit Mahila Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and PM Svanidhi Yojana have brought meaningful change, improving the lives of countless women across the state.

Economic empowerment is at the core of our governance. Over 95 lakh women in rural areas have been integrated into the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, fostering financial independence. The allocation of 2,510 fair-price shops to women’s self-help groups and the provision of rural residential records (gharauni) in the name of female household members have ushered in a new era of dignity and economic progress for women.

Youth and employment growth: The aspirations of our youth are taking flight. Over 96 lakh MSME units have turned jobseekers into job creators, reducing unemployment from 18 per cent in 2016 to just 3 per cent today. More than 8.5 lakh youth have secured government jobs through a transparent recruitment process, including over 1.38 lakh women. The UP Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act has reinforced fair examination practices, instilling confidence in competitive exam aspirants.

Cultural renaissance and religious tourism: These eight years have marked a historic era of renewed faith, economic strength, and cultural resurgence. The long-awaited return of Lord Shri Ram Lalla to his sacred temple is a momentous occasion after centuries of struggle. The grandeur of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the organisation of Mahakumbh, the development of Shri Ayodhya Dham, the rejuvenation of Kashi, and the beautification of Mathura-Vrindavan have placed Uttar Pradesh at the heart of India’s spiritual revival. Deepotsav and Rangotsav now shine with unmatched grandeur, drawing global visitors.

Under the “Reform, Perform, Transform” mantra, UP has become a premier destination for both religious and industrial tourism. Initiatives like the Ramayana circuit, Buddhist circuit, spiritual circuit, Shaktipeeth circuit, Krishna/Braj circuit, Bundelkhand circuit, Mahabharata circuit, and Jain circuits have placed sacred centres like Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Chitrakoot, Saharanpur, Shravasti, and Gorakhpur on the global tourism map, offering world-class facilities.

The road ahead: UP’s economic success has been achieved without imposing any new taxes. Despite offering the lowest diesel and petrol rates in the country, the state is emerging as a revenue-surplus economy, driven by the ideals of Ramrajya. The One District-One Product (ODOP) Scheme has transformed every district into a thriving industrial hub, while major projects like the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor are establishing the state as “Udyam Pradesh” — a powerhouse of industry and innovation.

Every citizen is a partner in this journey. Farmers are the architects of a self-reliant India, our youth the drivers of transformation, and matru shakti the foundation of our society. Uttar Pradesh is not just a state; it is a thriving hub of talent, tradition, and progress.

This milestone is just the beginning. Our vision is a “Viksit Uttar Pradesh” — one that not only becomes India’s largest economy but also fulfils the aspirations of its 25 crore citizens. With unwavering commitment, we will continue our journey of transformation, ensuring prosperity for generations to come.

The writer is Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh