Highlighting the transformative shift in perspective making Uttar Pradesh the second-largest economy in the country, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, said that labelling UP as BIMARU was a “political mindset”.

“Our current objective is to propel UP into the position of the leading economy in the nation,” Yogi said.

Addressing the curtain raiser ceremony of the second edition of the International Trade Show held at Lok Bhavan, the chief minister said, “Traditional craftsmen, artisans and young entrepreneurs in the state who were once disappointed now have smiles on their faces. UP’s ODOP (One District One Product) scheme has now become the foundation of a self-reliant India.”

On this occasion, he inaugurated 13 projects of industrial estates and ODOP Common Facility Centres (CFCs). He also honoured traditional artisans and craftsmen from various districts.

During his address, Chief Minister Yogi expressed gratitude to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise department, extended congratulations to new entrepreneurs and bestowed honours on skilled craftsmen and artisans in the state. He highlighted the success of last year’s International Trade Show in Greater Noida that set a new record and served as a robust platform to showcase Uttar Pradesh’s potential.

He said, “For the first time, more than 500 foreign buyers participated (in the trade show), and it engaged around 70,000 people with a footfall of three lakh.”

He announced that the second edition of the International Trade Show will be held in Greater Noida from September 25 to 29.

Through this event, Uttar Pradesh is once again going to demonstrate its capabilities to the global community, he added.

Chief Minister Yogi mentioned that artisans, craftsmen and young entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh had the capability but they lacked encouragement from the government and a suitable platform.

The state had numerous units of MSMEs for centuries, but due to continuous government neglect and ‘inspector raj’, entrepreneurs were distressed and forced to migrate, he pointed out.

“In 2018, we initiated the ODOP scheme, enabling traditional industries to enter the market and provide technological support. As a result, UP’s ODOP has now become a unique scheme in the country. ODOP has become the foundation stone of a self-reliant India, bringing pride to Uttar Pradesh,” Yogi added.

The chief minister noted the positive transformation among young entrepreneurs who were previously discouraged. “Today, they are filled with excitement and confidence, believing that their products are ready for global competition,” he said.

Underlining the significant growth in exports from Rs 86,000 crores to Rs 2 lakh crores, he highlighted the resulting increase in employment opportunities.

“To give a boost to young entrepreneurs, we have started the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana in this budget, under which interest-free loans are being provided,” he said.

Chief Minister Yogi further said that on February 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the fourth groundbreaking ceremony (GBC) of UP.

On this occasion, the foundation stones of schemes worth Rs 10 lakh crore will be laid in a single day. This initiative will directly provide jobs to 33 lakh youth of the state, he added.

The chief minister emphasised that the establishment of industries under these schemes will lead to infrastructure development, including roads, electricity and drinking water facilities and the initiative will generate new jobs.

The chief minister extended an invitation to all young entrepreneurs to participate in the second edition of the International Trade Show scheduled for September in Greater Noida. He urged them to witness UP’s potential during the trade show. He said that despite so much happening in the state, people used to say that UP was not progressing, however, by showcasing its capabilities in the International Trade Show, no one would consider UP as an underdeveloped state. “Today, UP has risen above the category of a BIMARU state,” he said.

On this occasion, MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan, Chief Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra, IIDC Manoj Kumar, ACS Amit Mohan Prasad, India Expo Mart president Rakesh Kumar, department officials, public representatives and handicrafts men, artisans and young entrepreneurs from across the state were present.