Prospect

UPSIDA’s CEO prioritises transparency, infrastructure and industrial development

Dr Balkar Singh assumed charge as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) on Thursday. Soon after taking over, he chaired his first review meeting with senior officials at the Authority’s headquarters in Kanpur.

Addressing the meeting, Singh emphasised that providing prompt and transparent services to investors, strengthening industrial infrastructure, and accelerating industrial development will be the top priorities of UPSIDA.

He said, “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as one of the most attractive investment destinations in the country. UPSIDA has a crucial role to play in achieving the goal of making the state a one-trillion-dollar economy, and the Authority will work with full capacity and commitment in this direction.”

In this context, Singh directed officials to ensure high-quality development and proper maintenance of all essential facilities in industrial areas. This includes roads, electricity, water supply, drainage, street lighting, sanitation, security and green development. He also stressed the need for effective implementation of UPSIDA’s key focus areas.

The CEO called for delivering time-bound and transparent services to investors through a single-window system, and for strengthening and modernising the existing industrial infrastructure. He asked officials to expedite the development of new industrial areas and industrial parks, and to ensure swift disposal of investment proposals and pending projects. Singh further directed the expansion of digital governance and technology-driven services across the Authority. He underlined the importance of developing clean, safe and green industrial areas, and promoting balanced industrial development with a strong focus on employment generation. He also asked officials to make special efforts to attract investments in high-potential sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, data centers, defence and aerospace, electric vehicles and battery manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, logistics and textiles.

Gul Panag kicks off reading campaign to revive book culture

A nationwide campaign to revive the habit of reading and promote books as a source of lifelong learning was launched on Wednesday under the banner “Let’s Bring Back the Joy of Reading.” The initiative aims to encourage people across generations to reconnect with books at a time when digital media is increasingly shaping reading habits. The campaign was launched in the presence of actor, author and social advocate Gul Panag, along with educators, authors, publishers and thought leaders, who stressed the importance of reading in fostering creativity, critical thinking and informed citizenship. Speaking at the launch, organisers said the initiative seeks to engage students, families, teachers, professionals and communities through workshops, discussions and public outreach programmes.