Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday highlighted the transformative role played by the One District One Product scheme in the context of Uttar Pradesh, saying the state’s exports under this scheme have touched Rs 2 lakh crore.
Adityanath was speaking at an event at the Awadh Shilpgram here after inaugurating a program to celebrate ‘Uttar Pradesh Diwas’.
Addressing the attendees of the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day as a powerful platform for realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
Speaking about the impact of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, launched in 2018, on the state’s growth, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh has exported ODOPs worth Rs 2 lakh crore so far.
He also launched the ‘ODOP Mart Portal’ for e-marketing of ODOP products.
He said there are 96 lakh MSME units operational in Uttar Pradesh, providing employment to 40 lakh people who have returned to their native places in the state during the COVID period, according to an official statement.
The government is extending safety insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to MSME units in the state in case of accidents or disasters, he added.
Adityanath pointed out that the world recognized the potential of Uttar Pradesh through the International Trade Show organized in Noida last year that attracted over 500 foreign buyers.
The Chief Minister said that on the third foundation day of the state under his tenure, the government has implemented a new apprenticeship scheme, which has resulted in the participation of millions of youth.
Reflecting on the state’s economic condition before 2017, Adityanath noted, “After 2017, when the dual-engine government started functioning, a better security environment was created in the state.”
“Today the results are clear. The youth, entrepreneurs and businessmen of Uttar Pradesh no longer have to hide their identity in the country,” the statement quoted him as saying.
He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has strengthened its economic position in the last seven years, witnessing improvements in infrastructure and connectivity.
On this occasion, Adityanath honored Lucknow-based scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava and Naveen Tiwari from Kanpur with the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman Award.
Dr. Srivastava played an important role in the development of the Indian Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan. She also served as Deputy Director of Operations for this mission and has been working with ISRO since 1997, the release said.
Tiwari received the award for building the world’s largest independent mobile advertising technology platform, connecting local businesses in Uttar Pradesh and India with national and international audiences. The software developed by his company is active on more than 400 million smartphones worldwide, the company said.
Cultural performances from different states were held on the sidelines of the event.
The stage came alive with vibrant folk dances performed by artistes from Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Sikkim and Goa. Artists from Bundelkhand, Awadh, Purvanchal and Braj region showcased their talents by presenting folk songs dedicated to Lord Ram.
The program also included soulful renditions of devotional music as part of Shri Ramotsav-2024, adding a spiritual dimension to the cultural celebration.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda expressed their wishes on ‘Uttar Pradesh Diwas’ through microblogging platform X.
President Murmu wrote on Twitter: My sincere greetings to all the people of the state on Uttar Pradesh Diwas. This most populous state in the country plays a leading role in India’s social, cultural and economic progress.”
“I wish happiness and prosperity to the able, hardworking and loyal people of Uttar Pradesh. I am confident that this state and its people will always remain on the path of development,” she added.
“Many best wishes to all the relatives of Uttar Pradesh, the holy land of spirituality, knowledge and education, on the foundation day of the state. In the past seven years, the state has written a new story of progress, in which the public has actively participated together with the state government,” the Prime Minister said on X.
“I am confident that Uttar Pradesh will play a leading role in the solution path of developed India,” he added.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
First print: January 25, 2024 | 12:42 pm IST