Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, emphasised the transformative role played by the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme in the context of Uttar Pradesh, and said that while during the previous regimes, UP’s exports were worth Rs 86,000 crore, today the state was exporting ODOP items alone worth Rs 2 lakh crore.
The ODOP scheme was launched in 2018.
Inaugurating the seventh Uttar Pradesh Day at Awadh Shilpgram here on Wednesday, the chief minister also highlighted the significance of Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day as a potent platform for realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
He further mentioned that 96 lakh micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) units were operational in the state, providing employment to 40 lakh people from Uttar Pradesh who returned to the state during the COVID period. He pointed out that the government was extending a security insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to MSME units in the state in case of accidents or disasters.
The chief minister also distributed Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2023-24 and launched the ODOP Mart Portal for e-marketing of ODOP scheme products.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath pointed out that the world recognised the potential of Uttar Pradesh through the International Trade Show organised in Noida last year that attracted more than 500 foreign buyers.
Chief Minister Yogi shared that on the third foundation day of the state, the government implemented a new apprenticeship scheme, resulting in the participation of lakhs of youth.
Reflecting on the state’s economic condition before 2017, Yogi Adityanath acknowledged challenges such as salary payment issues, chaos and an identity crisis. He remarked, “After 2017, when the double-engine government started functioning, a better security environment was created in the state. Today, the results are evident. The youth, entrepreneurs and businessmen of Uttar Pradesh no longer need to conceal their identity within the country.”
He emphasised that Uttar Pradesh has fortified its economic position over the last seven years, witnessing improvements in infrastructure and connectivity.
Chief Minister Yogi pointed out that while in the past, during festivals, markets used to get flooded with substandard Chinese products, today those products have been replaced by ODOP scheme products from the state. People gift ODOP products crafted by entrepreneurs and artisans from the state.
The chief minister said that the country’s cultural and philosophical heritage flowed through the state of UP and this was the reason that with a certain amount of encouragement from the state government and the support of the Centre, Uttar Pradesh was making a special place in the country and the world.
He added that UP, which was known is the heart of the country, has been the philosophical and cultural centre of the country since ancient times.
Expressing the significance of the seventh foundation day of the state, Chief Minister Yogi explained that it holds immense importance as Lord Ram has returned to his abode in Ayodhyapuri, one of the ‘Saptapuris’, marking the end of his 500 years of exile. Therefore, the Foundation Day programme becomes a momentous occasion for the people of Uttar Pradesh, he added.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Yogi also honoured Lucknow-based scientist Dr Ritu Karidhal Srivastava and Naveen Tiwari of Kanpur with the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman.
Dr Ritu played an important role in India’s Chandrayaan Mission. She was the deputy operations director of this mission. Dr Ritu Srivastava has been working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) since 1997.
Naveen Tiwari has established the largest independent mobile Ad tech platform in the world, connecting local businesses in Uttar Pradesh and India with national and international audiences. The lock screen software developed by his enterprise is actively featured on over 400 million smartphones worldwide.
As an entrepreneur, Naveen has not only expanded his presence to 26 countries, but has also played a significant role in elevating India’s standing on the global stage. His initiatives have led to the direct employment of 3,000 individuals, while simultaneously providing indirect employment opportunities for thousands more.
On the sidelines of the event, cultural performances from diverse states were also held. The stage came alive with vibrant folk dances performed by artistes from Gujarat, Jammu-Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Sikkim and Goa. Additionally, artistes from Bundelkhand, Awadh, Purvanchal and Braj region showcased their talents by presenting folk songs dedicated to Lord Ram.
The programme also featured soulful renditions of devotional music as part of Shri Ramotsav-2024, adding a spiritual dimension to the cultural celebration.
Prior to his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Shilp Mela and exhibition based on the development schemes of various departments on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Diwas. During this session, he engaged with entrepreneurs, gaining insights into their showcased products and acknowledging their efforts. He also honoured many people and distributed toolkits under Vishwakarma Shram Samman and ODOP toolkits.
