Yogi highlights UP’s growth in tech, infra & skill devpt

Lucknow: In a sharp exchange with SP members in the UP Assembly, CM Yogi Adityanath referred to the murders of Raju Pal and Umesh Pal, alleging that those who supported mafia elements ultimately faced consequences.Speaking in the Assembly, Yogi also said every poor person has the right to live with dignity and access their entitlements without discrimination.
The CM said the Uttar Pradesh govt integrated vocational education infrastructure with modern technologies, establishing new centres in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, semiconductors, data science, robotics, drone technology and space technology. He said that with the support of Tata Technologies, two Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in each district are being upgraded and integrated with emerging technologies. He said the institutions are being developed under a hub-and-spoke model, enabling affiliated institutes to access technical resources and advanced training support from a central hub. Emphasising the importance of future-ready skills, he stressed the need to train as many young people as possible in next-generation technologies. Highlighting entrepreneurship initiatives, Yogi said schemes such as Skill India, Startup India and Standup India are being effectively implemented in the state. He claimed that more than 20,000 start-ups are currently active in Uttar Pradesh, supported by 76 incubators, 7 Centres of Excellence and 8 unicorns. The CM described the proposed UP Data Authority and Data Center Cluster, announced in the state budget, as a forward-looking initiative aimed at meeting future technological demands. He also asserted that the unemployment rate, which he said stood at around 19% during the previous govt, declined to 2.24% under the current administration. He attributed the improvement to policy reforms, increased investment and better law and order. Taking a swipe at the opposition, Yogi said that doubting development initiatives reflected a narrow mindset unable to accept change. The Chief Minister further said that his govt advanced the "One District, One Medical College" initiative and the number of medical colleges in the state increased from 36 to 81, with the latest institution inaugurated in Amethi. The CM also highlighted the expansion of sports infrastructure across urban and rural areas. He criticised previous administrations, alleging that farmers were turned into debtors and artisans were forced into migration due to neglect and insecurity. The Chief Minister claimed that reforms in the agriculture sector over the past 8 to 9 years delivered unprecedented benefits, enabling higher production at lower costs through a clear agricultural policy. Citing economic growth, Yogi said Uttar Pradesh's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rose from Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore. He asserted that the state emerged as a leader in infrastructure and connectivity, accounting for 55% of the country's total expressway network. He added that Uttar Pradesh has the largest rail network in India and is also making significant strides in air connectivity. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !