On Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh emphasized that Bundelkhand is progressing with a new identity as a rapidly developing region, which the world will soon recognize. His remarks came during a one-day visit to Jhansi, where he inaugurated a joint credit camp for the Jhansi and Chitrakoot divisions under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan (M Yuva), aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs.

During the event, he also distributed loans to 1,070 beneficiaries of the Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan and visited an exhibition highlighting the scheme’s impact.

In his speech, CM Yogi underscored the government’s commitment to advancing Bundelkhand’s development and transforming Uttar Pradesh. He congratulated the community on the successful Mahakumbh event, inspiring the youth toward self-reliance. He stated that Uttar Pradesh is realizing its full potential and that Bundelkhand’s emerging strength will be evident in the coming years.

Addressing the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Abhiyan, he outlined the initiative’s goal of fostering entrepreneurship among youth for self-sufficiency. He said, “Under this scheme, 1,070 youths in Bundelkhand will receive interest-free and collateral-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh, along with a 10% grant as margin money.” He assured aspiring entrepreneurs that the program is open to anyone facing financial barriers, encouraging them to work diligently and honestly to elevate their businesses from ‘lakhpatis’ to millionaires, integrating innovation and technology into their endeavors. Citing examples from Mahakumbh, he noted how youth have generated additional income by providing bike rides to pilgrims and expressed enthusiasm over the innovations displayed at the exhibition, highlighting that the scheme opens new opportunities.

CM Yogi set an ambitious target to provide loans to one lakh youths between January 24 and March 31. So far, 30,000 out of 2.7 lakh applications have successfully secured loans. In celebration of the government’s eighth anniversary on March 25, each district will aim to connect 1,000 youths with financial assistance.

The Chief Minister discussed the MSME policy, stating that Uttar Pradesh now boasts 96 lakh MSME units that generate millions of jobs. He criticized previous administrations for pushing the state into backwardness and mafia rule but affirmed that Uttar Pradesh has rebounded as the nation’s growth engine. He pointed out that Bundelkhand, once troubled by criminal elements, is now thriving with major projects like the Bundelkhand Expressway, Defence Corridor, and the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA). He announced plans for the country’s largest industrial city, covering 56,000 acres between Jhansi and Kanpur, which is set to bring an economic revolution to the area.

CM Yogi also highlighted significant developmental projects such as the Pharma Park, a Medical College, a Convention Centre, and the Har Ghar Nal Yojana. He announced that the Bundelkhand Expressway would be expanded and emphasized the rapid advancement of the 1,500-acre Pharma Park in Lalitpur. “The Medical College in Lalitpur has been completed, and Jhansi will soon boast a state-of-the-art Convention Centre with a capacity for 2,000 to 4,000 people, suitable for exhibitions, weddings, and investor meetings,” he added.

He remarked on Bundelkhand’s historical challenges regarding water scarcity, stating that the Har Ghar Nal Yojana is nearing completion, ensuring every household will have access to clean drinking water. The Ken-Betwa Project is also progressing swiftly to provide irrigation to farms.

CM Yogi declared that Bundelkhand is on a path to reclaim its former glory and urged the community to prevent crime and turmoil from returning for future generations’ sake. He assured ongoing support for farmers, traders, and women to secure their prosperity.

In a significant announcement, he raised the minimum support price for wheat by Rs 150 per quintal, bringing it from Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,550. He introduced plans for Mata Shabari Canteens in every market to guarantee farmers affordable meals and tea. He also committed to constructing seven hostels for working women in honor of Mata Ahilyabai and pledged housing, toilets, job cards, Ayushman health cards, and ration cards for underprivileged families to achieve the vision of Zero Poverty.

CM Yogi dedicated these initiatives as a genuine tribute to Veerangana Rani Laxmibai, who fought for the honor of Jhansi. Reflecting on the grand success of Mahakumbh, he expressed delight in visiting Bundelkhand for the first time since the historic event, noting the global recognition of India’s Sanatan tradition and congratulating the people of Bundelkhand for their contributions.

He reminded the audience of the past difficulties faced in Uttar Pradesh, when life halted at sunset, and many challenges troubled families and communities. “However, today, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, New India and New Uttar Pradesh are moving forward with great momentum,” he stated. He noted that a remarkable 66.30 crore devotees participated in Mahakumbh, outpacing the state’s population of 25 crores.

Praising the hospitality of Jhansi and Bundelkhand, CM Yogi applauded the security measures during Mahakumbh that resulted in no incidents of crime, contributing to the pride of both Uttar Pradesh and India—a shared honor for the government and all citizens.

During the event, he inaugurated the newly built Smart City Hospital/Pathology Centre and four spoke collection centres under the Smart City initiative. CM Yogi mentioned his desire to return to Jhansi before Holi, underlining that the 200-bed Smart Hospital, developed through the PPP model, features a 50-bed ICU, a hub-and-spoke model, and teleconsultation services. This hospital is positioned as a significant healthcare asset for Jhansi, providing affordable treatment and diagnostic services, complemented by four spoke collection centres enhancing medical testing accessibility.

The Chief Minister also visited the newly established modern Space Museum developed under the Smart City initiative, which explores cosmic mysteries. He noted that the museum has already generated over Rs 30 lakh in revenue, indicating its popularity. The museum, located in Rani Laxmibai Park, offers visitors an engaging journey through space, beginning with insights from Aryabhatta and addressing complex questions about black holes and the universe’s origin. A standout feature of the museum is its immersive 3D model air show, which showcases both space and oceanic mysteries alongside volcanic formations, providing a captivating and educational experience for children, students, and science enthusiasts through visually appealing presentations.