President praises Yogi Govt for its far-sighted policies, being action-oriented

Lucknow, February 12: If Uttar Pradesh is prosperous, India too will be prosperous, said President Draupadi Murmu at the closing ceremony of the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit 2023, held at the Valmiki Main Hall of Vrindavan Yojana in Lucknow on Sunday.

Addressing a gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, policy makers, ministers and officials, the President said that by implementing far-sighted policies, Uttar Pradesh today is capable of becoming the growth engine of New India as per the vision of the Prime Minister.

She added that the summit, which was organised with the goal of inclusive development, would yield meaningful results and help UP emerge as the best investment region, while giving it global recognition. President Murmu said that Uttar Pradesh is not only the largest state of the country in terms of population, but also a state that contributes significantly to the country’s economy.

The President remarked further that Uttar Pradesh is at the top in implementing central government’s schemes. She said that the state is the land of Annadata (farmers) and leads in the production of food grains, sugarcane, potatoes and milk in the country. The President said that there are immense possibilities in agriculture-based entrepreneurship development in Uttar Pradesh.

“It is a matter of pleasure that the Government of Uttar Pradesh is encouraging the food processing industry through the Food Processing Policy”, she said. Describing herself as a member of the farmer family, the President praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his team for the efforts being made for the development of agriculture and agro-based industries.

She also expressed happiness over the celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023 by the United Nations with the efforts of the Prime Minister, and lauded Yogi Government’s efforts to encourage the demand and supply chain of millets.

The President said that political stability and continuity prove helpful for industrial development. “The way the state government has made efforts to simplify the procedures for investment in Uttar Pradesh is commendable. There are 95 lakh MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh, which is the highest in the country. MSME is the sector providing maximum employment opportunities after agriculture. MSME has a major role in economic development”, she said.

The President added further that Uttar Pradesh has resolved to contribute one trillion dollars in the goal of making the country’s economy five trillion dollars, which meant that the fifth part of the country’s total economy will be completed from Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister’s self-reliant campaign will also get a lot of strength if this resolution is achieved.

The President said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was praised all over the world for organising the Prayagraj Kumbh in 2019, and wished global fame for UP through the Global Investors Summit.

The President remarked further that UP has made great progress in development of infrastructure in the recent past, adding that increasing investments in road transport, highways and expressways will help a lot in economic development.

“I am happy to know that 65 percent mobile devices in the country are made in Uttar Pradesh alone. Not only this, Uttar Pradesh’s One District One Product Scheme (ODOP) promoting traditional enterprise is also very successful. Promotion of traditional industries not only leads to economic upliftment at the local level, investors also get a lot of opportunities”, she pointed out.

The President said that the Defense Corridor is also being constructed in Uttar Pradesh. Apart from making the country self-reliant in defence, the corridor will also promote enterprise, employment and development, she said.

The President also praised the Yogi government for making efforts to strike a balance between development and environment, mentioning in this context the Green Energy Corridor being developed by the government. The President added further that when an environment for investment is created, self-employment also gets boosted, referring to government’s efforts to promote startups. She said that UP will also have a leading position in self-employment.

Furthermore, the President appreciated the state government for paying special attention to the social dimensions of development in Uttar Pradesh. Along with economic development, efforts are also being made for social, spiritual and cultural development, she said. Describing it as ‘planned development’, she said that significant participation was given to women entrepreneurs and artisans in GIS, which was commendable. The President stressed that the development of the country is not possible without the development of half the population.

Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, the President said that the goal of this policy is to make India a super power by connecting youth with heritage and preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century. Appreciating the state government, she said that along with taking forward the discussion on the National Education Policy in Uttar Pradesh, investment in education is also being encouraged. The confluence of education and investment will bring about a lot of change, she remarked.