Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh announced on Monday that the nation is recognizing the state’s growing prominence in security, governance, economic prosperity, and Sanatan culture. This statement came during a press conference marking the government’s eight-year tenure.

At the event, a documentary titled “Ek Jhalak,” highlighting the government’s achievements over the past eight years, was screened, and a special booklet was released.

In his address, CM Yogi expressed, “Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and supported by the collective efforts of 25 crore citizens, Uttar Pradesh is on track to evolve from a ‘Shram Shakti Punj’ to an ‘Arth Shakti Punj’ in India. While the state remains the same, its image has greatly improved over these eight years.”

He further emphasized, “Once labeled a ‘BIMARU’ state, Uttar Pradesh has now transformed into a vital growth engine for the Indian economy.” The Chief Minister attributed this progress to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi and congratulated the state’s citizens for their role in this significant transformation.

Yogi also announced that a ‘Vikas Utsav’ will be held across all district headquarters on March 25, 26, and 27. This three-day celebration will honor farmers, youth, women, artisans, and entrepreneurs, showcasing the developmental achievements of both the Central and State governments.

He reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s clear vision for India to become a $5 trillion economy, stating, “Uttar Pradesh is playing a crucial role in this mission and is currently the second-largest economy in the country, poised to take the top spot soon.”

CM Yogi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and his cabinet members for their steadfast support. He attributed the state’s progress to teamwork, strategic execution, skill development, and speed.

Reflecting on the conditions before 2017, he noted that Uttar Pradesh was facing a crisis, with high rates of farmer suicides, youth unemployment, and a climate of fear among women and the business community. The state was viewed as a barrier to national growth.

“However, in just eight years, the double-engine government has reshaped that narrative. Today, Uttar Pradesh is a leader in advancement across various sectors, driving national development,” he stated.

Addressing agricultural reforms, CM Yogi highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s rich agricultural potential. He shared that one of the first actions of his government was to waive off loans for small and marginal farmers amounting to Rs 36,000 crore, resulting in a significant increase in food grain production from 557 lakh metric tonnes in 2016-17 to 668 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24, a 20% increase.

He further revealed that over Rs 10 lakh crore has been transferred directly to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Key irrigation projects, such as Arjun Sahayak, Bansagar, and the Saryu Canal, have been completed, enhancing irrigation access to an additional 23,000 hectares. Utilizing the expertise of agricultural institutions and modern technology, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leader in producing paddy, wheat, pulses, and millets.

Regarding the sugarcane sector, CM Yogi noted that from 2008 to 2017, farmers faced delays in receiving payments amounting to thousands of crores. “Our government ensured no sugar mills were shut down and opened three new ones, while reviving six and expanding 38 others,” he explained. Since 2017, Rs 2.80 lakh crore has been disbursed to sugarcane farmers— Rs 60,000 crore more than the total paid over the previous 22 years, with ethanol production increasing from 42 crore to 177 crore liters.

CM Yogi stressed that law and order has been a cornerstone of his administration. “Before 2017, riots were frequent, and citizens lived in fear. Today, Uttar Pradesh enjoys a rule of law,” he stated, citing the successful management of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, which saw no incidents of violence reported during the event.

He noted the recruitment of 1,56,000 police personnel and the introduction of enhanced training capacities, while also establishing police lines in all districts and improving police response times significantly. The state’s CCTV coverage through the “Safe City” initiative has further bolstered public safety with over 11 lakh cameras installed.

For youth development, the unemployment rate has dropped from 19% in 2016-17 to just 3% currently. More than 8 lakh government jobs have been created, and over 2 crore youth have benefited from self-employment initiatives in the MSME sector. The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has revitalized traditional industries, elevating exports from Rs 86,000 crore to over Rs 2 lakh crore.

In terms of educational reform, CM Yogi noted the elimination of exam cheating through strict measures. Enrollment in Basic Education Council schools has increased by over 50 lakh, and every child receives Rs 1,200 for educational essentials. Schools have been upgraded to provide facilities such as toilets, clean drinking water, digital libraries, and proper flooring.