Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel addressed the joint session of the state legislature in the first session of 2025 on Tuesday. During her address, the governor expressed grief over the stampede that led to the casualties of Maha Kumbh pilgrims.
Expressing sorrow over the fatal stampede on Mauni Amavasya, the governor said, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy.”
She extended her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
However, she praised the grand Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, describing the event as one that embodies the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
“The UP government has had the honour of organising the Maha Kumbh 2025. This year’s event has set new benchmarks in cleanliness, security, and management. Maha Kumbh 2025 is a unique blend of faith and modernity, showcasing both tradition and progress.”
So far, over 50 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the sacred Triveni Sangam. The governor also mentioned the historic cabinet meeting held on January 22, 2025, at the Triveni Sangam during Maha Kumbh. She highlighted that several key decisions were taken in the interest of the state during this significant occasion.
The governor emphasised the importance of law and order, calling security essential for a civilised society. She highlighted the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability, asserting, “Under my government, there have been no incidents of communal riots or caste-based conflicts.”
She highlighted that the government adopted a ‘zero tolerance policy towards crime and criminals’ and consistently improved policing standards.
“These efforts have created a crime and fear-free environment as the government continues to work towards realising the vision of Ram Rajya—a state of justice, peace, and good governance,” she stated.
The governor highlighted the achievements of ‘Operation Conviction’, stating that from July 2023 to December 2024, the initiative led to 51 criminals being sentenced to death, 6,287 to life imprisonment, 1,091 to over 20 years in prison, 3,868 to 10-19 years, 5,788 to 5-9 years, and 51,748 to less than five years in jail.
Highlighting initiatives for women and child safety, she mentioned that campaigns such as Mission Shakti 5.0, Operation Garuda, Operation Shield, Operation Destroy, Operation Bachpan, Operation Khoj,
Operation Eagle, and Operation Raksha are being carried out across the state.
The governor highlighted the state’s progress in connectivity, calling Uttar Pradesh the ‘Expressway State’ of India.
She noted the operational Yamuna, Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand Expressways, along with the under-construction Ganga and Gorakhpur Link Expressways.
“Uttar Pradesh now boasts the highest share of the nation’s expressway network,” she stated.
The governor highlighted key developments in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, including Bharat Dynamics Limited in Jhansi, Anchor Research Labs in Aligarh, and DRDO BrahMos Aerospace in Lucknow, with a potential investment of around Rs 9,500 crores. She also mentioned the creation of a semi-conductor park, data centre park, and electronics system design and manufacturing cluster in the Yamuna Expressway Authority area.
“The state government distributed free textbooks to 1.5 crore children and upgraded 680 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas. As part of the state’s commitment to improving school infrastructure, 6,481 dilapidated schools have been reconstructed. Additionally, 680 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas have been upgraded to provide free residential education for girls from weaker sections up to class 12,” Patel noted.
In line with improving educational access, financial assistance for uniforms, school bags, shoes, socks, and stationery is being directly transferred to parents’ accounts through DBT, amounting to Rs 1,200 per child, she added.
The governor said that 36 government polytechnics are nearing completion. Additionally, language labs and 251 smart classrooms have been set up across 89 polytechnic institutions to enhance the quality of education.
The governor emphasised Uttar Pradesh’s leadership in employment generation. She highlighted the creation of 1.65 crore jobs through 96 lakh MSME units and the Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan, which offers guaranteed, interest-free loans to young entrepreneurs to establish micro-enterprises, with a goal of creating one lakh new enterprises annually.
