8 Years of Yogi in U.P.: Development, Discipline & Dominance

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing media representatives at Lok Bhavan, marked the completion of eight years of his government, attributing its success to the visionary leadership and inspirational guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to service, security, and good governance, which has received immense public support from nearly 25 crore residents.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister unveiled a book documenting the government’s achievements over the past eight years.

Transformative Changes in Uttar Pradesh

CM Yogi Adityanath noted that while the governance framework remains the same, the state has undergone significant transformation over the last eight years. He recalled that before 2017, Uttar Pradesh faced identity crises for its youth, farmer suicides, insecurity for women and traders, and frequent riots that hindered economic growth. Once categorized as a backward state, Uttar Pradesh is now emerging as India’s economic growth engine.

Agricultural Reforms and Economic Growth

The Chief Minister highlighted vast improvements in the agricultural sector, which was previously neglected. In 2016-17, the state’s agricultural growth rate was around 5%, which has now risen to over 13.5%, contributing to a 28% increase in Uttar Pradesh’s GDP.

One of the first major reforms by the government was the waiver of Rs 36,000 crore in farm loans for small and marginal farmers. Food grain production has surged from 557 lakh metric tons in 2016-17 to over 668 lakh metric tons, a 20% increase. The government has transferred Rs 80,000 crore to over 2.62 crore farmers under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

Irrigation capacity has also significantly expanded, with previously stalled projects such as the Arjun Sahayak, Bansagar, and Saryu Canal National Project being completed under the PM Krishi Sinchayi Yojana, providing an additional 23 lakh hectares of irrigation coverage.

Revival of the Sugar Industry

Before 2017, the sugar industry in the state was on the brink of collapse, with massive dues pending for sugarcane farmers. The government revived and expanded 38 sugar mills, established three new ones, and restarted six defunct mills. To promote ethanol production, new ethanol plants were set up, increasing production from 42 crore liters in 2017 to 177 crore liters currently.

Energy and Welfare Initiatives

Under the PM Kusum Yojana, solar panels have been installed to benefit nearly 86,000 farmers, and free electricity has been provided for 14 lakh private tube wells. Government procurement of wheat and rice has substantially increased, ensuring fair prices for farmers. Additionally, more than 32 lakh hectares of land have been protected from floods.

The CM Kisan Accident Insurance Scheme now provides Rs 5 lakh coverage for farmers and their families in case of natural disasters, accidents, or human-wildlife conflicts.

Law and Order Reforms

CM Yogi Adityanath underscored the dramatic improvements in law and order. Before 2017, riots were frequent, causing distress among residents. Today, Uttar Pradesh boasts a more secure environment, as demonstrated during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, which witnessed zero cases of crime over 45 days.

To strengthen the police force, 2.16 lakh police personnel have been recruited since 2017, filling previously vacant positions. The state has also expanded its police training capacity, improved police barracks, and constructed new police lines in districts where none previously existed.

Empowerment and Employment Generation

Under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana, over 4.76 lakh mass weddings have been conducted. Financial assistance for the scheme has been increased from ₹51,000 to ₹1 lakh, effective from April. The Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission has empowered over 95 lakh women, while the PM SVANidhi scheme has benefitted two lakh women entrepreneurs.

The state’s unemployment rate has dropped from over 19% in 2016-17 to just 3% today. The "One District, One Product" (ODOP) scheme has played a vital role in promoting traditional industries, resulting in exports increasing from ₹86,000 crore to over ₹2 lakh crore. Over 8 lakh government jobs have been provided, and more than 2 crore youth are engaged in the MSME sector.

Education and Skill Development

The Chief Minister emphasized the transformation in the education sector. Examinations are now conducted without malpractice, and Basic Education Council schools have witnessed an increase of over 50 lakh students. Each student receives ₹1,200 via DBT for uniforms, bags, books, shoes, socks, and sweaters. Schools have been upgraded with improved infrastructure, digital libraries, and sanitation facilities.

The government has launched "Project Alankar" to rebuild dilapidated school buildings and is working towards establishing a state university in every divisional headquarters. Ten new universities and 21 private universities have been successfully established. The "Abhyudaya Coaching" initiative provides free coaching for competitive exams across districts, and scholarships for SC/ST students have increased from ₹1,200 crore to ₹2,500 crore.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Uttar Pradesh is rapidly transforming into an expressway-driven state. The state now boasts six operational expressways, with 11 more under construction. Upon the completion of the Ganga Expressway, UP will account for 55% of India's expressway network.

The state’s inter-state connectivity has also improved, with four-lane roads connecting all district headquarters. Since 2017, the number of fully functional airports has increased from two to 16, further enhancing connectivity.