In a significant economic milestone, Uttar Pradesh has increased its share in India's national economy to 9% for the financial year 2024-25, marking a rise from 8.6% in the previous year. This progress was a key point of discussion during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Tuesday.
Steady March Towards a Trillion-Dollar Vision
The meeting was convened to assess the state's advancement towards its ambitious target of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy. Officials presented data showing the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) stands at Rs 29.78 lakh crore. Impressively, the state has already achieved 93% of its GSDP target of Rs 42 lakh crore set for the current financial year.
CM Adityanath emphasized the need for meticulous monitoring to ensure all departments stay on plan. He instructed ministers and officials to conduct regular reviews and insisted on the real-time uploading of departmental work data. He also stressed the importance of continuous dialogue with central government officers to ensure the timely receipt of the central share of funds and the timely expenditure of the allocated budget.
Agriculture and Industry: The Twin Engines of Growth
A major driver of the state's economic surge has been its agricultural sector. The Chief Minister highlighted that Uttar Pradesh contributes 21% to the country's total foodgrain production and is experiencing an agricultural growth rate above 13%. He attributed this success to better seeds, advanced technology, expansion of cultivation area, and a shift towards high-yield, high-value crops, which have boosted both farmer incomes and total production.
To sustain this momentum, he directed officials to expedite the construction of seed parks and works under the UP Agriz project.
On the industrial front, the review revealed robust development. The addition of 7,000 new factories has accelerated economic activities, while an increase in the registration of companies and factories has further strengthened the state's industrial base.
Focus on Infrastructure, Tourism, and Social Welfare
The review covered a wide spectrum of departments. In transport, the CM prioritized road safety, calling for serious efforts to reduce accidents, especially during foggy conditions. He advocated for practical registration fees for commercial vehicles and improved bus services for the common people.
The tourism sector is also booming, with approximately 125 crore tourists visiting UP until June this year. Adityanath directed the department to enhance facilities for devotees and tourists at places like Garhmukteshwar, implement the homestay policy, promote the hotel industry, and develop a comprehensive tourist destination plan.
In the social sector, the Chief Minister set district-wise targets under the Mass Marriage Scheme. He proposed a practical approach where part of the allocated funds is given to beneficiaries in advance for shopping, with the remainder used during the marriage ceremony. He also pushed for the speedy construction and upgradation of anganwadi centres, which are being developed as pre-primary education centres.
The power department reported improved performance of state power corporations, thanks to a reduction in power theft and technical losses. Electricity generation has been bolstered by the establishment of large solar projects and solar parks under the PM Kusum-C scheme.
Overall, the review meeting painted a picture of a state economy firing on multiple cylinders, with focused governance aimed at transforming Uttar Pradesh into an economic powerhouse.
