CM Yogi highlights BC Sakhi Model and expansion of Bank Mitra Program in Vidhan Sabha

Lucknow : During the discussion on the supplementary budget in the state assembly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath outlined significant strides in urban development and financial growth in Uttar Pradesh.

He mentioned the allocation of Rs 600 crore in the budget to tackle sewage and drinking water issues in urban areas. The government has also identified aspirational urban bodies lacking basic facilities and is providing additional incentives for their development, he added.

The Chief Minister said, “We have established over 100 urban bodies. When we came to power, there were 14 municipal corporations in the state, and now there are 17, meaning three new municipal corporations have been formed.”

He further mentioned that four new municipal councils have been established, 122 Nagar Panchayats have been created, and the boundaries of 124 urban bodies have been expanded. Uttar Pradesh is the first state in the country to establish 18 cities as safe cities.

Highlighting the increase in digital transactions, CM Yogi said that nine crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, with more than half belonging to women. The banking sector in the state has seen remarkable growth, with the business volume rising from Rs 12 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 26 lakh crore today.

The number of bank branches has also increased, with 19,705 branches of nationalized and rural banks currently operating. The BC Sakhi model has been introduced successfully, and the Bank Mitra program has been further advanced.

CM Yogi emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is leading the country in attracting funds. Before 2017, around 1.65 lakh income tax returns were filed annually, this number has now risen to 12 lakh. The state’s economic growth rate surpasses the national average, with a growth rate of around 10 percent at constant prices and between 14 and 15 percent at current prices, compared to the national growth rate of 7 to 8 percent.