Lucknow, February 17: In a recent address during the discussion on the Governor’s speech in the Legislative Council, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the unprecedented progress in Uttar Pradesh over the past nine years in sectors like MSMEs and health.
He noted that before 2017, the state’s MSME sector was nearly defunct, creating an atmosphere of despair. However, through the One District One Product (ODOP) and One District One Cuisine (ODOC) initiatives, the government has revitalized traditional products. Currently, over 3 crore youths in the MSME sector have found employment. The state has also achieved remarkable milestones in health and pharmaceuticals, marking a new chapter of self-reliance and development.
Adityanath explained that the ODOP initiative has improved branding, design, technology, and marketing for unique products from each district. This connection of local products to the global market has resulted in exports nearly doubling from ₹84,000 crores in 2017 to ₹1.86 lakh crores today, with ODOP crafts and traditional products accounting for about 50%. The initiative has created over 3.16 lakh job opportunities. Currently, more than 77 products from the state have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, ensuring their quality in the global market. Approximately 96 lakh MSME units are operational, providing jobs to over 3 crore youths. Programs like the PM Vishwakarma scheme are offering recognition and support to artisans and craftsmen.
Recently, on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day, the government launched the One District One Cuisine program, aiming to establish a special dish from each district as a brand. This initiative exemplifies the Prime Minister’s local-to-global model, giving Uttar Pradesh a new identity. Adityanath remarked that while youths were once disheartened, they are now writing stories of self-reliance and progress.
The Chief Minister also highlighted significant changes in the health sector. Before 2017, many districts lacked basic health facilities, leading to a “one district, one mafia” situation. Now, there is rapid progress towards establishing one medical college in each district. AIIMS facilities are operational in Raebareli and Gorakhpur. Each district now has access to ICUs, digital X-rays, blood banks, dialysis, oxygen plants, and ventilators. Before 2017, over 40 districts had no ICUs. The response times for ambulance services have improved, and telemedicine is reaching remote villages. The state is developing a future-ready health ecosystem by promoting artificial intelligence, genomics, telemedicine, and medtech. Diseases like encephalitis, which caused 1,200-1,500 child deaths annually before 2017, have nearly been eradicated, with zero deaths recorded in 2024. The double-engine government has managed to control both the mafia and these diseases.
In the pharmaceutical sector, Uttar Pradesh has made notable advancements. A pharma park is rapidly being developed in Lalitpur, which will include bulk drug units. Additionally, a 350-acre medical device park is being established in Greater Noida. A recent pharma conclave in Lucknow was attended by leading investors who praised the changing landscape of Uttar Pradesh. One major pharma entrepreneur shared his experience of fleeing his hometown Meerut due to his nephew’s kidnapping but noted the improved investment climate since 2017, which has attracted significant interest from major investors.
Adityanath stated that development is not limited to cities and industries; the government is also providing land leases, housing, and basic amenities to nomadic tribes and tribal communities like Van Tangia, Musahar, Tharu, Kol, and Buxas. Women’s safety, education, skills, self-employment, health, and leadership participation have all seen improvements. The journey from safety to prosperity and empowerment for women continues. The Chief Minister asserted that Uttar Pradesh has written new chapters of safety, development, and self-reliance since 2017. Where there was once darkness, there is now light in the form of progress and hope. This transformation is evident across all sectors, from the global reach of local products to enhanced health facilities and job creation.
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