Early Times Report LUCKNOW, Mar 20: Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a transformation over the past 9 years that goes far beyond numbers, representing a comprehensive economic and industrial shift. Under the visionary leadership and well-planned strategy of Yogi Adityanath, the mantra of 'Reform, Perform and Transform' has given the state a new identity on the investment map. As a result of this planned governance approach, projects worth approximately ?15 lakh crore have already been grounded through 4 Ground Breaking Ceremonies (GBCs), and preparations are underway for the fifth Ground Breaking Ceremony with new projects worth Rs 7.5 lakh crore. When the government assumed office in 2017, Uttar Pradesh was lagging significantly in investment and entrepreneurship. A structured and point-wise strategy was developed to improve the situation. The first step focused on systematic reforms, followed by effective implementation of policies through performance, and ultimately transforming the state's overall image. A clear roadmap was prepared for every sector, and the investment process was made transparent and faster. Obstacles in the path of investment and industry were identified, and under Ease of Doing Business, 99% of minor criminal provisions were removed across 13 Acts, making business operations simpler. Creating an investment-friendly environment was not limited to improving law and order. Rapid expansion of infrastructure such as expressways, airports, and logistics networks ensured the availability of essential facilities for investors. Plug-and-play facilities for industries and deregulation reforms were also implemented. As a result, since the formation of the current government, Uttar Pradesh has received investment proposals worth more than Rs 50 lakh crore. The government's policy has also focused on developing sector-specific industrial zones to promote investment. Under this approach, clusters dedicated to specific industries are being developed across the state. Projects such as Film City, Toy Park, Logistics Hub in the Yamuna Expressway region, Pharma Park in Jhansi-Lalitpur, Mega Textile Park in Lucknow-Hardoi, Perfume Park in Kannauj, and plastic, garment, and leather clusters in Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Hardoi are becoming strong drivers for attracting region-specific investments. By emerging as a dream destination for investment, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly moving toward its goal of becoming a 1 trillion dollar economy. The state government is clearly focused on high-tech sectors such as AI, data centres, electronics, and advanced manufacturing, creating new opportunities for youth alongside investment growth. |