PHD Chambers of Commerce in Association with Department of Housing and Urban development organized a state level summit on Thursday at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan.
The summit was chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav along with Abhishek Mishra, Minister for Science and Technology of the state. The policy makers and the top level bureaucrats brainstormed over the topic 'Opportunities and Challenges in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure growth'. Speaking on the ocassion CM Akhilesh Yadav said, "Since the time we have come into power our utmost priority has been to make an investment friendly atmosphere in UP. We have been receiving ambassadors and delegates from abroad who show a keen interest in the projects currently going on here. They not just appreciate our work but also extend their assistance, if required. All of our principles and ideals have been the same since the beginning. The last Samajwadi government under the able leadership of Mulayam Singh Yadav initiated policies and projects which are benefitting the common man, till now. Sugarcane industries have prospered in respective Samajwadi governments" said the CM.
He said that the 'Co-generation policy' introduced by 'Netaji' has helped the sugarcane industries enjoy dual benefits and it is because of these constructive efforts that Uttar Pradesh has surpassed Maharashtra in overall sugarcane production. The state is also number one in the production of potatoes. We also have huge opportunities in poultry as the state daily consumes 2 crore eggs but produces only one crore as the rest is imported from other states" said the Chief Minister. He said that Uttar Pradesh can enhance potential and production in poultry and be self-sufficient in egg production.
"With the efforts of state government we have also got the eastern freight corridor which would ensure wholesome growth and development in UP. We are soon to start the 130 MegaWatt solar energy plant for which MoU has already been signed" he said. He further said that "We have seen many big housing projects coming up in our government. Many projects have been constituted and many are in the pipeline. I would request the authorities to kindly also review the prices of their houses so that a house is in easy reach of the common man. The prices should be such that a common man can afford that and is not forced to move to some other place" said the Chief Minister.
Minister for science and technology, Abhishek Mishra too spoke on the occassion and underlined the importance of the state on the national platform. He said, "We have huge natural resources with us. We constitute about eight percent of India's geographical land and 19 percent of overall manpower in India. Hence, the priority of the state government is to attract national and international investors. And we are doing pretty good in attracting domestic investors, as for now. There are challenges, as well, as the farmers are unable to work in tandem with us, ultimately posing a big challenge in front of our land acquisition policy. And what i think is that its just because they are not getting a fair and equittable treatment. We need to move on industrialist Warren Buffet's taxation policy which provided enough opportunities to the industries in the US to grow and prosper."
APC Alok Ranjan too affirmed the state government's dedication in ensuring the path of success for the state. He said, "The highest priority to infrastructure policy has been given in this government only. We invite more private investors in the state of Uttar Predsh. There are a lot of prospects on the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor which cover Dadri area of the state. 57% of the much awaited Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor is falling in our state which would be a game changer for the state. We are also working hard on the growth of Power sector." Principal secreatry, housing and urban, Sadakant too spoke on the occassion and emphasized the need of a new housing policy which should be more effective and inclusive for all. lalit Khaitan, SK Garg, Saurabh Sanyal from the PHD Chambers too spoke on the significance of urban development in the state.
Alok Ranjan while talking to "The Pioneer" said, "Along with the state capital many other districts too are benefitting from the growth plans of the state. And an obvious example to this is the dedicated network of roads which has been developed to connect all the district headquarters of the state. The project taken up by the state in aegis with UP State Highways Authority has committed the people to connect their district headquarters with 2 or 4 lane highways, as needed. The cities which have a smooth traffic flow and have also performed well on major indexes too would benefit from our upcoming projects."