Preparations are in full swing in Uttar Pradesh to implement the investment proposals worth lakhs of crores in all 75 districts in the first phase of the Ground-breaking Ceremony (GBC).

“Interestingly, the investment proposals to be implemented during GBC are not only for the developed districts of the state, but also those which were once considered the most backward,” a government spokesman said here on Thursday.

Among the 100 aspirational districts nationwide, eight are in Uttar Pradesh and are traditionally considered backward.

“These eight districts have attracted investment proposals worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore out of the proposals worth Rs 7 lakh crore which will be launched during the phase 1 of GBC. Sonbhadra and Chandauli districts which were once affected by Naxalites, are today playing an important role in the development of the state. Similarly, Chitrakoot, known for the terror of dacoits, as well as traditionally backward districts of Siddharthnagar, Bahraich, Fatehpur, Shravasti and Balrampur have attracted a large number of investors,” the spokesman said.

“This is seen as a result of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s initiative to connect smaller districts to development. Earlier, due to lawlessness and Naxal activities, industrialists hesitated to make significant investments in these districts. However, with the transformation of the law and order situation and prevalence of industry-friendly environment in the state under the Yogi government, these districts have emerged as the second growth engine of the state,” he added.

The government’s  policy of zero tolerance towards crime and criminals, the development of basic facilities in remote and border areas, the construction of fundamental infrastructure, and improved connectivity are turning these districts into growth engines for the state’s development.

After the GBC in Noida, the highest amount of investment is set to take place in Sonbhadra. This investment will not only accelerate the development of Purvanchal, but also contribute to the overall progress of the state.

Approximately 43 investment projects totalling Rs 78,815 crore are fully prepared to be implemented in Sonbhadra. Similarly, Chandauli district, once considered a stronghold of Naxals, is fully prepared for the launch of 69 projects worth Rs 17,455 crore to be executed.

Among the aspirational districts, 42 projects worth Rs 6,765 crore are set to be launched in Chitrakoot, 56 projects worth Rs 297 crore in Siddharthnagar and 72 projects worth Rs 1,831 crore in Fatehpur.

Additionally,  Bahraich has 69 projects worth Rs 736 crore, Shravasti has 74 projects worth Rs 866 crore, and Balrampur has 36 projects worth Rs 368 crore, all set to be implemented on the ground.

The Uttar Pradesh government had received investment proposals of Rs 40 lakh crore  from industrial groups of India and abroad during the UPGIS, 2023.