On a day when seven MoUs to the tune of Rs. 5000 crore were signed in the information technology sector, the Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav took the opportunity to underscore the contribution of States, particularly Uttar Pradesh, in making the “Make in India” slogan a reality. Mr. Yadav clearly hinted that a holistic view should be taken even as he underlined his State’s importance.
An investment of Rs. 5,000 crore is likely to generate employment for 15,000 people. Mr. Yadav said his Government is determined to promote and expand the IT sector in the State.
Referring to the population component in the success of schemes, Mr. Yadav said the people will have to come forward. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister assured cooperation to the Central Government in the implementation of welfare measures. In this context, the Chief Minister mentioned that the maximum number of bank accounts (under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana)
have been opened in Uttar Pradesh, which, he added, had also topped in the number of bank branches.
Speaking at the inauguration of “e-Uttar Pradesh Investmart, 2015” at Hotel Taj Vivanta on Tuesday, the Chief Minister laid stress on infrastructure development, which is a crucial component in industrialization. “Separate budget allocation has been made for roads and power in the State,” Mr. Yadav said. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister was hopeful that the development of manufacturing sector would create more jobs for the unemployed youth.
The Chief Minister referred to his ambitious Agra-Lucknow Expressway project and said that a separate budget of about Rs. 15000 crore has been earmarked for the development of the road
project. He said it is expected to be completed in two years.
Describing the Agra-Lucknow Expressway as the “biggest expressway project in the country”, the Chief Minister said it would facilitate journey by road from Delhi to Lucknow and will reduce travel time.
In a specific mention of the IT sector, Mr. Yadav mentioned the IT and Electronics Policy framed by the State Government. He said efforts would be made to develop IT hubs in areas, other than Noida and Greater Noida. “ Noida and Greater Noida as hubs of information technology are well known, steps would be taken to set up IT parks in other places like Gorakhpur, Kanpur and Agra,” Mr. Yadav added. He said the State Government will cooperate with the Centre.
Mr. Yadav said the State is keen to attract foreign investment and added that the Government would consider giving incentives to the prospective entrepreneurs.
The Korean Ambassador, Jun Gyu Li, who was present in the function, said his country wanted to be a partner in India’s economic development. He added that the Korean entrepreneurs were keen to invest in Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Yadav reciprocated the gesture and said ties with Korea will be strengthened.
