CM Yogi Adityanath on Independence Day

Lucknow : On Thursday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hoisted the flag in front of Vidhan Bhavan to mark the 78th Independence Day.

The CM expressed gratitude to both known and anonymous immortal fighters of India, including Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, honoring their sacrifices.

The event featured a flower shower from a helicopter and began with cultural performances by artistes from the Culture Department.

CM Yogi also paid glowing tributes to the brave hearts who sacrificed their lives defending the nation’s borders. He also described the year as ‘historic’ due to the installation of the child idol of Shri Ramlala in Ayodhya.

Addressing the people of the state, the Chief Minister said, “This year, during the Amrit Kaal of Independence, marks the beginning of the centenary celebrations of the historic Kakori train action from the Indian freedom struggle. The great heroes of our independence will be honored through various programs across the state throughout the year.”

He continued, “Our Tiranga represents India’s pride and glory. From August 13 to 15, we are celebrating the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign with great enthusiasm. This year is significant for India. On January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled the five-century-old resolution of Indian people’s faith by consecrating the child idol of Lord Shri Ramlala in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.”

The CM highlighted that to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, PM Modi has united the country with the ‘Panch Pran’ resolution. He has urged states to prioritize development and eradicating poverty to realize the vision of a developed India, the Chief Minister pointed out.

CM Yogi Adityanath stated that the state government is fully committed to the comprehensive development of Uttar Pradesh, working towards the upliftment of all sections of society, including the poor, youth, farmers, and women, in line with Prime Minister Modi’s resolution.

“Once considered a BIMARU state and an obstacle to national development, Uttar Pradesh has now established itself as a state with ‘infinite potential.’ Through effective resource mobilization, the state has become revenue surplus. Uttar Pradesh is now the second-largest economy in the country, contributing 9.2 percent to the national GDP. Additionally, the state government has successfully doubled the per capita income over the past seven years”, he remarked.

Emphasizing the state’s commitment to the welfare of the most disadvantaged through Antyodaya, the Chief Minister said, “Our priority is to ensure that every poor, needy, and deprived individual benefits from government schemes.”

He emphasized that in the last seven and a half years, over 56 lakh poor families have been provided with housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 2.62 crore people have gained access to toilets, and more than 1.86 crore have received free LPG connections. The ongoing efforts include providing drinking water connections to over 2.65 crore families and distributing free food grains to 15 crore poor people.

CM Yogi Adityanath stated that improved facilities such as housing, rations, land leases, and schools have been provided to marginalized communities like Vantangiya, Musahar, Tharu, and Kol. “These groups, who were neglected for 70 years post-independence, are now experiencing ‘ease of living’ as they are integrated into the mainstream of development.”

The CM further noted, “The state government has transferred over Rs 70,000 crore directly to the bank accounts of scheme beneficiaries through DBT. With the effective implementation of welfare programs, Uttar Pradesh has successfully lifted six crore people out of multidimensional poverty.”

The Chief Minister stated that backward development blocks are being integrated into the mainstream of progress through the Aspirational Development Blocks scheme.

“In line with the Prime Minister’s vision, the state government is also committed to advancing the Zero Poverty campaign. As the country celebrates its 78th Independence Day, Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in terms of population, is steadily moving forward with PM Modi’s Zero Poverty resolution,” CM Yogi said.

He added that by creating a Family ID for every household, the state aims to achieve 100 percent saturation of government schemes. Each family will be issued a Family ID to facilitate this goal.

On this occasion, Legislative Council Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, State Government Minister Rakesh Rathore ‘Guru’, Danish Azad Ansari, Legislative Council Member Mahendra Singh, Mukesh Sharma, Engr. Avnish Singh, Lalji Prasad Nirmal, Govind Narayan Shukla, MLA Neeraj Bora etc. were present.

CM honors the families of brave hearts

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also honored the gallantry award winners and their families. Shanti Bisht, mother of martyr Lieutenant Hari Singh Bisht, Archana Kalia, wife of martyr Major Kamal Kalia, HS Mohindra, father of Lieutenant Colonel Amit Mohindra, Colonel Bharat Singh, Laxmi Devi, wife of martyr Havildar Kunwar Singh Choudhary, Rajeshwari Singh, family member of martyr Naik Raja Singh, Satyaprakash Sharma, father of martyr Major Ritesh Sharma, Munni Lal, brother of martyr MC Bitali, Havildar Omprakash Tripathi, father of martyr Naik Arun Kumar Tripathi, Ramakant Yadav, brother of Lieutenant Commander Rajnikant Yadav, Suman Devi, wife of martyr Rajveer Singh, Sala Devi, wife of martyr Harshvardhan Singh, Subedar RN Singh, father of Havildar Pankaj Singh, Sita Sundari, wife of martyr Shivraksha Ram, Santosh Tiwari, wife of martyr Diwakar Tiwari, Munni Singh, wife of martyr Bachawan Singh were honoured.

On the 78th Independence Day occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has achieved another significant milestone. He has become the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh to hoist the flag on Independence Day for the eighth consecutive year.

This historic achievement is a testament to the unwavering faith and support of the people of Uttar Pradesh towards CM Yogi Adityanath.

It reflects his relentless efforts to ensure the happiness, prosperity, and security of the state’s 25 crore citizens. The steadfast love and trust of the people made this remarkable feat possible.

Information on CM Yogi’s achievement was posted on social media platform X by Yogi Adityanath’s office. In its post, Yogi Office wrote, “For the happiness, prosperity, and security of 25 crore people of the state, Shri @myogiadityanath Ji Maharaj, who is continuously working hard, is the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, who has hoisted the flag on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day for the 8th consecutive time while holding this post.”

The Yogi Office further wrote in its post, “This historic achievement is a sign of the unwavering faith and support of the people of Uttar Pradesh towards Maharaj Ji. Hearty congratulations to Maharaj Ji, who is ensuring the incomparable contribution of ‘New Uttar Pradesh’ as ​​the country’s growth engine in the creation of ‘Viksit Bharat’. Jai Hind!”

Yogi Adityanath was sworn in as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017 and immediately began working tirelessly for the betterment of the state’s people. Recognizing his dedication, the citizens of Uttar Pradesh re-elected him in 2022.

Today, as the Chief Minister of the country’s most populous state, CM Yogi is committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

In his Independence Day address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that women’s safety and self-reliance are top priorities for the state government.

He underscored that empowering women, who comprise half the population, is essential for societal progress and prosperity. The government is actively working to uplift and empower women across the state, recognizing their crucial role in the nation’s and state’s development.

The Chief Minister highlighted several key initiatives, including the Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Yojana, which now provides an increased financial support of Rs 25,000 to 19.34 lakh girls, compared to the previous Rs 15,000.

Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana has facilitated the marriages of more than 382,000 girls from economically disadvantaged families. Over 39,000 BC Sakhis have also facilitated financial transactions worth Rs 26,853 crores, earning commissions of Rs 72.3 crores.

CM Yogi also noted the remarkable success of Mission Shakti, a comprehensive program focused on women’s safety, dignity, and self-reliance.

Uttar Pradesh is on track to become the first state in India to establish 18 safe cities, encompassing all 17 municipal corporations in the state, as well as Noida and Greater Noida.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath underscored the Uttar Pradesh government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers. He highlighted the state’s efforts to boost farmers’ income, emphasizing the significant contributions made by the agricultural sector in Uttar Pradesh.

“Our farmers are the backbone of the nation’s food security,” said CM Yogi. “Despite having only 12 percent of the country’s total cultivable land, Uttar Pradesh contributes more than 20 percent of the nation’s food grains. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our farmers.”

The Chief Minister also outlined key initiatives aimed at supporting the farming community. He noted that over Rs 75,000 crore has been disbursed to 2.62 crore farmers in the state through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Additionally, 31 irrigation projects have been completed, enhancing the state’s irrigation capacity by over 22 lakh hectares and benefiting 46.69 lakh farmers.

In a significant move to ease the financial burden on farmers, the state government has waived tubewell electricity bills for more than 14 lakh farmers under the free electricity for irrigation initiative, effective from April 2023. Furthermore, more than 66,000 solar pumps have been installed for irrigation purposes till June this year, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the farming community.

Highlighting significant strides made in agricultural modernization and farmer welfare under his administration, CM Yogi said that as part of the Agri Stack scheme, the state has completed the geo-referencing of village maps for 99,000 revenue villages. He said that a target has also been set to complete digital crop survey and farmer registry in all the districts in 2024-25.

In a notable achievement, 25,000 farmers have collectively earned Rs 200 crore through carbon credit initiatives, showcasing the state’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, the state government has paid over Rs 2.53 lakh crore to sugarcane farmers since 2017, with a further increase in sugarcane prices for the 2023-24 crushing season.

“Efforts made to promote Shri Anna have increased the area of ​​millet by 24.4 percent and production by 14 percent in 2022-23 and 2023-24. Further advancing agricultural research and innovation, the South Asia Region Center of the International Potato Center is being established in Agra district. Organic and cow-based natural farming have also been started across 1.24 lakh hectares in 27 districts, focusing on the coastal areas of the Ganga and Bundelkhand regions,” CM Yogi added.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted on Thursday that Uttar Pradesh has become a “dream destination for investment” due to its robust law and order, ease of doing business, and investment-friendly policies.

He emphasized the state’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for investment and industry, noting that the youth today are eager to contribute to this development with renewed enthusiasm.

“The state government’s priority is to establish and effectively implement an excellent ecosystem within Uttar Pradesh. In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a $5 trillion economy, the state has set a target of achieving a $1 trillion economy. To this end, the government is making continuous, strategic efforts.”

He added, “We have implemented 27 sectoral policies to facilitate entrepreneurs, and the single-window portal Nivesh Mitra offers 487 services from 43 departments online.”

CM Yogi said that to set up industrial parks in the private sector, Pledge parks have been approved in 11 districts under the innovative pledge park scheme of the state government. 5 new pledge parks are in process.

“The second edition of Uttar Pradesh International Trade Exhibition (UP International Trade Show) is going to be organized in Greater Noida from September 25 to 29. As a result of promoting traditional products through One District One Product Scheme, the state’s exports have increased from Rs 86,000 crore to more than Rs 2 lakh crore today.”

He said that through the Global Investors Summit 2023, the state has received investment proposals of more than Rs 40 lakh crore. “During the fourth groundbreaking ceremony in February 2024, projects worth over Rs 10 crore were launched. In the past seven and a half years, investment proposals totaling more than Rs 16 lakh crore have been brought to fruition and are now ready for production. Uttar Pradesh is at the forefront in announcing policies for FDI and Fortune 500 companies.”

Emphasizing the importance of robust infrastructure for swift industrial and economic growth, the Chief Minister stated, “Uttar Pradesh is solidifying its identity as an expressway state with the highest number of operational and under-construction expressways. The Ganga Expressway, which will connect Meerut and Prayagraj, is expected to be operational before the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025. The state currently has 15 operational airports, including 4 international ones. Once the Noida International Airport is operational, Uttar Pradesh will be the only state in the country with 5 international airports.”

He added, “With metro operations in 6 cities, Uttar Pradesh leads the country in providing metro services to the highest number of cities. The state also boasts the distinction of operating India’s first RRTS (Rapid Rail Transit System). Uttar Pradesh is the first state to transform 17 municipal corporations into smart cities and has pioneered the Aspirational City Scheme to integrate backward bodies into the mainstream.”

He further emphasized that the process of establishing the State Capital Region, which includes the area surrounding Lucknow, is advancing swiftly. Concurrently, the formation of the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) for the development of Bundelkhand is also progressing rapidly. Earlier, the industrial city of Noida was formed in the state in 1976.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hoisted the national flag in front of Vidhan Bhavan and marked the occasion by announcing the launch of a new initiative aimed at empowering the youth of Uttar Pradesh. The ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana’ is set to provide significant financial support to young individuals interested in entrepreneurship, with a target to establish 10 lakh MSME units across the state.

Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi emphasized the crucial role of the youth in India’s development. “Our youth are the backbone of the nation’s progress. They are talented, energetic, and their contribution is vital for building a developed India. The state government is committed to focusing on education and employment for the youth,” he said.

The Chief Minister further elaborated on the scheme’s potential impact, highlighting that it aims to create employment opportunities for 50 lakh young people. “It is a pleasure to introduce this scheme, which will connect 10 lakh youth with employment and self-employment in the coming years,” he said.

Highlighting the significant steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh government to uplift the state’s youth, CM Yogi mentioned that over 1.62 crore young people have secured employment through the investments made in the state so far. Additionally, 62 lakh youth have been connected with self-employment opportunities by leveraging both central and state government schemes.

The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to a fair and transparent hiring process, which has resulted in over 6.5 lakh youth securing government jobs in the past seven years. To further boost entrepreneurship, a dedicated start-up fund has been established to finance new ventures. In a bid to make the youth technically adept, the government is effectively distributing 2 crore smartphones and tablets for free.

CM Yogi also outlined the state’s efforts to enhance the quality of education at all levels. He noted that the curriculum for primary, secondary, higher, vocational, and technical education is being revamped in line with the National Education Policy. This academic year, over 20.5 lakh children have already enrolled in council schools. To support students’ needs, Rs. 1200 is being directly transferred to parents’ accounts via DBT for purchasing uniforms, sweaters, shoes, socks, and school bags.

“Furthering educational infrastructure, Mukhyamantri Awasiya Vidyalaya have been established in every division, and plans to set up Chief Minister Model Composite Schools in 57 districts are underway. The state has also established 190 new government high schools and 58 inter colleges in previously underserved areas,” he added.

He said that the state’s ambitious ‘One Division, One University’ concept has now become a reality, with efforts underway to achieve the goal of ‘One District, One University.’

CM Yogi highlighted the successful operation of several new universities, including Maharaja Suheldev University in Azamgarh, Raja Mahendradev University in Aligarh, and Maa Shakumbhari Devi University in Saharanpur. He also mentioned the ongoing work on other state universities, such as the State University named after Guru Jambeshwar in Moradabad, Maa Pateshwari in Devipatan Mandal, Maa Vindhyavasini in Mirzapur, and the Agriculture and Technology University named after Mahatma Buddha in Kushinagar.

In addition to these developments, CM Yogi noted that Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow is now ready, marking a significant milestone in medical education. The Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Ayush University in Gorakhpur is also nearing completion, with construction progressing rapidly. Moreover, the state’s first sports university is under construction in Meerut,