Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, said that with the growing robustness of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Uttar Pradesh, the government had flushed out Chinese products from the state’s markets.
Addressing a gathering during a programme of the MSME department at the Lok Bhavan here, the chief minister said, “What could demonstrate greater patriotism than this? When our domestically produced goods gain traction in the market, it is imperative that we nurture, incentivise, and provide them with a platform to flourish. It is immensely gratifying to witness our products gaining popularity while those of the ‘enemy country’ receding.”
He added: “Nowadays, during festive occasions like Diwali, Vijayadashami, Eid, and Christmas, one predominantly finds products from Uttar Pradesh in the market. Not only are our products good, but our entrepreneurs and artisans also feel that their future is bright.”
At the programme, the chief minister distributed a mega loan of Rs 30,826 crore for the MSME sector. He also distributed cheques to developers engaged in the approved Pledge Park in Unnao while simultaneously inaugurating an online portal for plot allotment in industrial estates.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Yogi also distributed toolkits under the One District One Product scheme and the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana.
In his address, the chief minister said that the MSME department would have to lay special emphasis on providing products as per demand by doing a complete mapping of the market and enhancing product packaging standards.
He expressed confidence that by adopting these measures, locally made products from the state would soon gain national prominence.
Furthermore, he urged MSME entrepreneurs to register promptly to facilitate swift advancement of training programmes for individuals involved in micro, small and medium enterprises.
The chief minister said that the MSME department had organised several loan distribution programmes before the end of the financial year 2023-24. He expressed satisfaction that the amount distributed this year had doubled compared to the previous year and had increased ten-fold compared to seven years ago.
The chief minister emphasised that this progress not only signifies the economic advancement of Uttar Pradesh, but also generates employment opportunities for the youth.
“As many as 10 districts of the state have been connected to the Pledge Park. The cheque has been distributed today for the 11th Pledge Park of the state being built in Unnao,” he stated.
The chief minister lauded the MSME department’s role in promoting micro, small and medium enterprises in the state over the past seven years. “Through innovative initiatives and experimentation, it has made significant strides towards achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India,” he stated.
The chief minister said this was the new Uttar Pradesh of the new India. “We have transformed the old perception with our capabilities. Today, every sector of ours is responding to everyone. UP was already a state with ‘unlimited potential’, but some people had made it BIMARU. We have combined it with the nation-building campaign and progressed on the development path for the youth and entrepreneurs,” he said.
He went on to say, “Today, we are seeing the result of this. UP is the only state in the country where young entrepreneurs are given loans of five lakh rupees without interest.”
He said that out of 96 lakh MSME units in the state, 40 lakh had been registered and the goal was to register all 96 lakh as soon as possible.
The chief minister highlighted that the state has a strong MSME foundation, security assurance and substantial land bank, which foster a conducive environment for establishment of major industries.
This conducive atmosphere is exemplified by the staggering investment proposals worth Rs 40 lakh crore received by Uttar Pradesh during the UP Global Investors Summit, he added.
Furthermore, through the recent groundbreaking ceremony, investments totaling Rs 10 lakh crore have successfully materialised in Uttar Pradesh, he added.
The chief minister also commended district-level and state-level bankers for their contributions to the state’s development.
The chief minister shared that achieving a 1-trillion-dollar economy in the next five years would be possible with a slight acceleration in Uttar Pradesh’s current pace. He emphasised the need to strengthen the manufacturing sector, noting a shift in investment patterns from previously concentrated areas like the National Capital Region, Meerut and Hapur to smaller districts such as Unnao and Hardoi. “This shift underscores the untapped potential that existed previously, but remained underutilised,” he pointed out.
MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan, Chief Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra, IIDC Manoj Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Amit Mohan Prasad, Secretary Pranjal Yadav, Commissioner and Director Rajesh Kumar, along with departmental officers, entrepreneurs, and artisans, were present at the event.
Beneficiaries express gratitude to CM
Hamid Ali Ansari from Lucknow, who secured a loan sanctioned by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressed his appreciation for the government, stating that the loan was for plastic management. He conveyed special thanks to Chief Minister Yogi, acknowledging his instrumental role in expanding his business.
Echoing him, Mohammad Izhar from Barabanki expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighting the smooth process of acquiring a loan for his cold storage facility.
Asha Kumari, who received a sewing machine toolkit from Chief Minister Yogi, also expressed heartfelt appreciation for his support.
Furthermore, Manoj Kumar from Sultanpur road shared his experience of obtaining a loan amounting to Rs 47 lakh without involvement of any intermediary and expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for facilitating the process.
