UP now a leader in every sector, says CM Yogi

Gorakhpur : Uttar Pradesh, once regarded as a ‘BIMARU’ and struggling state hindering the nation’s progress until 2017, has now emerged as a frontrunner in multiple sectors across India, said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day ‘Utkarsh Ke Aath Varsh’ Vikas Utsav (March 25-27), celebrating his government’s eight-year tenure, Yogi Adityanath stated, “Over the past eight years, the state has transformed remarkably, securing the top position or leading in more than 45 central government schemes.”

CM Yogi emphasized the state’s progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance and inspiration. Speaking at Mahant Digvijaynath Park in Gorakhpur, he congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh and attributed the state’s transformation to their cooperation and support.

Emphasizing that it is the “New Uttar Pradesh” in a “New India”, the Chief Minister remarked that while the state and its systems remained the same as before, the real change began in 2017 with the arrival of a “double-engine government” under PM Modi’s leadership.

He said, “Previously, farmers faced distress, youth struggled for identity, the poor battled starvation, and women and businesses lacked security. However, today, thanks to progressive policies, farmers are self-reliant, women are empowered, youth are finding employment, and the poor are experiencing prosperity. Alongside development, Uttar Pradesh’s law and order system has set a benchmark for the country.”

Reflecting on the challenges of this transformation, CM Yogi noted that the journey was far from easy. He added, “Before 2017, the state was plagued by riots, mafia dominance, illegal land grabs, unregulated mining, animal smuggling, and threats to women and businesses.”

He added further: “However, our government took decisive action to dismantle mafia rule and restore governance. Through large-scale initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, employment, and overall development, Uttar Pradesh has now established itself as a leader in multiple domains.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that Uttar Pradesh has completed eight years of remarkable progress, witnessing rapid development across all sectors.

He said, “Over these eight years, Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable progress in youth empowerment, women’s welfare, business security, and heritage conservation. Compared to the work done in the 70 years before 2017, this period has been truly transformative. With unwavering public support, the double-engine government—guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—has steered Uttar Pradesh from being a ‘BIMARU’ state to becoming the nation’s growth engine. What was once seen as an obstacle to national progress has now become a driving force. This transformation, powered by the state’s youth, workforce, and hardworking farmers, has elevated Uttar Pradesh to the position of India’s second-largest economy.”

CM Yogi emphasized that while the previous government was dominated by “one district, one mafia,” his administration introduced transformative schemes such as One District, One Product (ODOP) and One District, One Medical College. These initiatives have led to a massive turnaround. Before 2017, the state struggled to attract investments, but today, Uttar Pradesh is the top destination for investors.

He added, “Similarly, once neglected, the tourism sector has become one of the country’s leading travel hubs. Infrastructure development has also been unprecedented—earlier, good roads were scarce, but today, Uttar Pradesh boasts the highest number of expressways, superior rail and air connectivity, and the most metro networks in India. The state leads food grain production, potato yield, sugarcane cultivation, and ethanol production.”

CM Yogi credited this transformation to teamwork, public participation, and an administration committed to delivering results. With relentless hard work and the collaboration of all stakeholders, the government is pushing the boundaries of progress.

He assured that there is no shortage of funds for development, and the outstanding work being done has shaped a New Uttar Pradesh within New India. Reflecting this progress, Gorakhpur itself has undergone a remarkable transformation. Before 2017, the fertilizer factory was shut down—today, it is operational again. The city now hosts key institutions such as an SSB office, a Sainik School, and a Kendriya Vidyalaya, with four offices functioning within the same campus, he pointed out.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Gorakhpur now has four universities, up from just two before 2017, with a fifth—Forestry University—soon to be established.

He said, “Road connectivity has drastically improved, with four-lane highways linking Gorakhpur to Lucknow, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Sonauli, and Deoria. The city itself has seen an extensive expansion of its road network. Travel times have been significantly reduced—before 2017, reaching the Medical College or Gorakhnath Temple from the airport took over an hour. Today, thanks to four-lane roads, the same distance can be covered in just ten minutes. The roads connecting the Sports College and Jail Bypass have also been upgraded to four lanes, and expansion projects for Herbert Dam and Madhopur Dam are in progress.”

He added, “Additionally, infrastructure projects such as the Heritage Corridor from Pandeyhata to Dharamshala Bazaar via Aryanagar, and Mandir Marg from Gorakhnath Temple to HN Singh Chauraha via Hadhwa Gate, are advancing at a rapid pace. Whether in urban or rural areas, Gorakhpur’s roads have been upgraded to two-lane or four-lane highways, with new overbridges and flyovers being built at thousands of crores. A new bridge is under construction near Rajghat, and another flyover is being developed near the Gorakhnath flyover. Moreover, a direct route from Jungle Kauriya via Kalesar will enable Nepal travellers to reach Lucknow without entering the city, significantly easing congestion.”

The Chief Minister highlighted the extensive development work carried out in Gorakhpur. An Atal Residential School has been established in Sahjanwa, and the state’s first Ayush University has been set up in Bhathat.

He said, “In Gorakhpur district alone, over one lakh people have benefited from the housing scheme, while across the state, 56 lakh underprivileged families have received housing assistance. Additionally, 15 crore people in Uttar Pradesh are receiving free ration, and over one crore senior citizens are benefiting from an annual old-age pension of Rs 12,000, along with destitute and disability pensions. Under the Mukhyamantri Sumangala Yojana, 22 lakh daughters have been supported, while 2.75 lakh girls have received assistance through the Mukhyamantri Mass Marriage Scheme.”

The Chief Minister further announced starting April 1, the state government will provide a Rs 1 lakh grant under the mass marriage scheme.

CM Yogi also emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving art and honoring artists, announcing the development of a Film City in Uttar Pradesh. He underscored the significance of art in keeping society vibrant and stated that while art needs protection, artists must be encouraged and supported.

The Chief Minister said that in Gorakhpur, 1,000 people each have got jobs in Fertilizer factory and AIIMS. Youths have got jobs in other institutions as well. As many as 350,000 people have got jobs through private investment in GIDA.

He said that in GIDA, 400 crores have been invested in Indian Glycal, 400 crores in Indian Auto Wheels, 320 crores in Apollo Tubes, 70 crores in Plastic Park and crores have been invested in other companies as well. Around 50,000 youth have got jobs through this investment.

Kyan Distillery is set to commence operations in GIDA with an investment of Rs 1,200 crore, while Varun Beverages has invested Rs 1,071 crore, Tatva Plastics Rs 200 crore, and CP Milk and Food Products Rs 100 crore. These investments have created local employment opportunities, enabling youth to find jobs close to home.

Highlighting Gorakhpur’s transformation, the Chief Minister stated that the city has evolved into a smart city with continuous development. Electric buses now operate in the city, and traffic and sanitation are monitored via CCTV, which also enhances the safety of women and traders.

He added, “If anyone dares to compromise on their security, he will be caught by CCTV cameras and go to Yamraj.”

The CM said that four new Nagar Panchayats, Ghaghsara Bazaar, Unwal, Uruwa Bazaar, and Chowmukha, have been built in the district. Under the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana in Gorakhpur, 1.25 lakh youths have been given free smartphones and tablets. They can study online through this.

He added, “A veterinary college is being built in Gorakhpur. The construction work of a Horticulture and Forestry University is also being taken forward here. Two new polytechnics, 23 degree colleges, four new ITI are also ready in Gorakhpur. Rs 176 crore has been spent on the Sainik School built here. Atal Residential School has also been constructed in Sahjanwa at a cost of Rs 71 crore. “In Gorakhpur, 2.94 lakh people have benefited from the Ujjwala Yojana, while 38,700 street vendors have received low-interest loans under the SVANidhi Yojana. Lakhs have been provided free food grains, and over 11.4 lakh individuals have availed benefits under the Ayushman Yojana. Additionally, 2.31 lakh beneficiaries receive Atal Pension, 71,594 women receive destitute pensions, 1.67 lakh elderly individuals benefit from old-age pensions, and 24,698 disabled individuals receive disability pensions. The city has also seen significant infrastructure development, with 698 Anganwadi Bhawans and 555 Panchayat Secretariats constructed. Housing initiatives have benefited 50,879 people under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), 50,662 under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), and 2,632 under Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana.”

CM Yogi stated that under the double-engine government, development is progressing hand in hand with heritage conservation. In Gorakhpur, significant beautification efforts have been carried out at various religious sites, including Budhiya Mai Temple, Tarkulha Devi Temple, Mansarovar Temple, and Mukteshwarnath Temple, as well as several Gurudwaras. Across Uttar Pradesh, the transformation of pilgrimage sites in Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura has left visitors worldwide in awe. This journey of preserving heritage while advancing development aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.

Inaugurating a three-day exhibition showcasing the state’s and Gorakhpur’s unprecedented progress and achievements over the past eight years, the Chief Minister explored the stalls set up by 20 government departments and institutions. The Information Department has also curated a special development exhibition in an expansive gallery at the venue, which CM Yogi visited to review the displayed progress milestones.

Before addressing the public gathering marking eight years of his government, CM Yogi extended support to Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) by distributing 50 tricycles and motorized tricycles—with 25 beneficiaries receiving tricycles and another 25 receiving motorized versions.

On this occasion, he also flagged off a special tricycle rally.
During the program, the Chief Minister honored beneficiaries of various welfare schemes by distributing essential resources and certificates.

He provided assistive devices to Divyangjan, tablets to youth, Ayushman cards to eligible citizens, loans under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Yojana, and certificates to beneficiaries of the NRLM and agriculture schemes.

Bansgaon MP Kamlesh Paswan and Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan Shukla also addressed the program. Both described Gorakhpur’s development as unprecedented and unimaginable.

On this occasion, District Panchayat President Sadhana Singh, Mayor Dr. Manglesh Shrivastava, MLA Vipin Singh, Fateh Bahadur Singh, Shriram Chauhan, Rajesh Tripathi, Mahendrapal Singh, Pradeep Shukla, Sarwan Nishad, BJP Regional President Sahajanand Rai, District President Janardan Tiwari, Metropolitan President Devesh Shrivastava etc. were prominently present.