His Govt has successfully created an investment-friendly environment in the State, resulting from improved law and order situation

In March 2022, Yogi Adityanath was sworn in as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the second time, following the BJP's victory in the state assembly elections. The state unit of the party celebrated the occasion with various functions, highlighting the achievements of his government during the past six years.

One of this government’s notable achievements is the investment-friendly environment created in the state, resulting from improved law and order and employment opportunities. The government has taken a pragmatic step towards combating organized crime, planned violence and riots at the time of religious festivals and that has yielded extraordinary results, the government has acknowledged that the handlers, perpetrators, promoters, and sympathizers are equal partners in crime. The government is working to combat "mafiagiri" not only through legal means but also by targeting the financial investors of these mafia groups.

The government's approach towards combating organized crime is holistic, aiming to tackle the root causes of the issue, the government is sending a strong message that it will not tolerate any kind of criminal activity, and is committed to maintaining law and order in the state. The state has been cracking down on the mafia, with over Rs 1849 crore worth of property seized and demolished in the past year alone.

The state government has made an unprecedented contribution to improving the rural economy by implementing a multi-pronged strategy. This includes promoting agricultural exports through digital payments, ensuring that farmers benefit directly from Mandis, investing in rural infrastructure and irrigation, and supporting private investment in rural areas without bias or preference.

The government's investment in rural infrastructure and irrigation has created much-needed employment opportunities in rural areas, while also improving the quality of life for residents. The provision of basic amenities such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation has helped to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas. Furthermore, the government has been proactive in supporting private investment in rural areas, creating an environment that is conducive to business growth and development. This has not only generated employment opportunities but has also contributed to the overall development of the region.

The UP Global Investors Summit 2023, resulted in over 20,000 MoUs worth about 35 lakh crore being signed, three times the target set by the state government. The economically backward eastern region received investment proposals worth Rs 9 lakh 55 thousand crores, while Bundelkhand received proposals worth Rs 4 lakh 28 thousand crores.

Despite these achievements, the state government recognizes that many educated youth leave the state to work abroad, and often fail to meet global standards. To address this issue, the government plans to establish a "World Skill Centre," which will polish and develop the skills of the youth necessary for the global job market. The centre will partner with international firms TUV SUD Germany and EHL Switzerland, offering skill development in hospitality and tourism, retail services, logistics, and accounting.

Admission to the centre will be available to youth of 17-23 who have passed their 12th grade with English as a subject and basic knowledge of computers. The target is to impart employment to seventy per cent of trained youth who will receive placement, with efforts made to provide global placement to 10-15 per cent. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these initiatives on the state's economy and its people.

(The writer is a former secretary, Govt of India. Views expressed are personal)