Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the transformative role played by the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme on Wednesday and said that while Uttar Pradesh’s exports were worth Rs 86,000 crores during the previous governments, they have soared to Rs 2 lakh crores at present.
While reflecting on the impact of the ODOP Scheme, launched in 2018, during the inauguration of the seventh Uttar Pradesh Day from Awadh Shilpgram, the CM also highlighted the significance of Foundation Day of UP as a potent platform for realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
He said that 96 lakh MSME units are operational in the state, employing 40 lakh people from UP who returned to the state during the COVID period. “The government is extending a security insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to MSME units in the state in case of accidents or disasters,” he said.
During this, Yogi distributed Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2023–24 and launched the ‘ODOP Mart Portal for e-marketing of ODOP products.
He pointed out that the world recognised the potential of UP through the International Trade Show organised in Noida last year, which attracted more than 500 foreign buyers.
The CM shared that on the third foundation day of the state, the government implemented a new apprenticeship scheme, resulting in the participation of lakhs of youth.
Reflecting on the state’s economic condition before 2017, he acknowledged challenges such as salary payment issues, chaos, and an identity crisis. “After 2017, when the double-engine government started functioning, a better security environment was created in the state. Today, the results are evident. The youth, entrepreneurs, and businessmen of UP no longer need to conceal their identities within the country,” he said.
Yogi said that UP has fortified its economic position over the last seven years, witnessing improvements in infrastructure and connectivity.
He pointed out that while in the past, during festivals, markets used to get flooded with substandard Chinese products, today those products have been replaced by ODOPs from the state. “People give ODOP products crafted by entrepreneurs and artisans from our state. The spiritual and cultural heritage of India flows through UP,” he said.
Expressing the significance of the seventh foundation day of the state, the CM explained that it holds immense importance as Lord Ram has returned to his abode in Ayodhyapuri, one of the Saptapuris, marking the end of his 500 years of exile. “Therefore, the Foundation Day programme becomes a momentous occasion for the people of UP,” he said.
On this occasion, Yogi also felicitated Lucknow-based scientists Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava and Naveen Tiwari of Kanpur with the prestigious UP Gaurav Samman. Dr. Ritu played an important role in the development of India’s Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan.
She was also the Deputy Operations Director for this mission. She has been working for ISRO since 1997.
Naveen Tiwari has established the largest independent mobile ad tech platform in the world, connecting local businesses in UP and India with national and international audiences. The lock screen software developed by his enterprise is actively featured on over 400 million smartphones worldwide.
As an entrepreneur, Naveen has not only expanded his presence to 26 countries but has also played a significant role in elevating India’s standing on the global stage. His initiatives have led to the direct employment of 3000 individuals while simultaneously providing indirect employment opportunities for thousands more.
On the sidelines of the event, cultural performances from diverse states were also held. The stage came alive with vibrant folk dances performed by artists from Gujarat, Jammu-Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Sikkim, and Goa. Artists from Bundelkhand, Awadh, Purvanchal, and the Braj region showcased their talents by presenting folk songs dedicated to Lord Ram.
Before his address, Yogi inaugurated the Shilp Mela and exhibition based on the development schemes of various departments on the occasion of UP Diwas. During this session, he engaged with entrepreneurs, gaining insights into their showcased products and acknowledging their efforts.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda extended their congratulations on UP Diwas through the social media platform X.
President Murmu wrote, “My heartfelt greetings to all the residents of the state of Uttar Pradesh. This most populous state in the country is playing a leading role in the social, cultural, and economic progress of India. I wish happiness and prosperity to the skilled, hardworking, and loyal people of Uttar Pradesh. I am confident that this state and its residents will always remain on the path of development.”
PM Modi posted on X, “Many best wishes to all the family members of UP, the holy land of spirituality, knowledge, and education, on the foundation day of the state. In the last seven years, the state has written a new story of progress in which the public has actively participated along with the state government. I am confident that Uttar Pradesh will play a leading role in the resolution journey of developed India.”
BJP president JP Nadda wrote, ‘Heartiest greetings to all the people of the state on the foundation day of Uttar Pradesh, the sacred land of culture, spirituality, and heritage. Under the guidance of respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, the state is continuously moving on the path of progress and prestige. Our resolve to service, good governance, and development is paving the way for ‘Developed Uttar Pradesh’.”
In a post on X, Chief Minister Yogi expressed his gratitude to the President, the PM, and the BJP President. Additionally, he reaffirmed his commitment to establishing ‘Ram Rajya’ in UP under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi.
