With a population of over 220 million Uttar Pradesh is bigger than Japan, Russia, and Brazil and the state is a vital cog in India’s political economy.
Today’s Uttar Pradesh looks quite different from the Jungle Raj.
The gross state domestic product stands at over 275 billion US dollars. Its economy grew by over 8 percent between 2016 and 2022. The state contributes over 8% to India’s total GDP. Its per capita income is 1,300 US dollars. It is the biggest green producer in India and a major manufacturing hub, contributing 8% to India’s output. The state has the second-longest road network in India. Uttar Pradesh’s annual budget is over 89 billion US dollars. At least 56% are in the working age group.
The investment summits, which at one point used to be held in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka today, are being held in Uttar Pradesh as well, and Uttar Pradesh is also getting huge investments. Back in 2017, Uttar Pradesh had 200 startups and now it has more than 1000 startups. Startups have a big role to play in building a massive economy which is why the state is building a robust startup ecosystem that supports innovative entrepreneurs in building startups. The state government is going to set up 100 incubators with each of its districts having at least one incubator by 2025.
There are 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh and they have already set up 60 of these incubators to support entrepreneurs. Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a surge in infrastructural development with numerous projects underway to revamp its roads, highways, airports, and railways. The intent is to create a seamless and efficient transportation system that connects the states with the rest of the country and the world. One of the flagship projects is the Agra- Lucknow expressway which will reduce travel time between the two cities to just 3 hours. The industrial growth strategy of Uttar Pradesh is built around creating a business-friendly environment with attractive incentives and subsidies for entrepreneurs and industries.
The state has established several special economic zones offering world-class infrastructure and amenities to industries such as textiles, IT, and pharmaceuticals. Skill development programs are being implemented to create a pool of skilled workers who can meet the demands of industries and businesses. The focus is on promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises which will create jobs and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level.
PAST STATUS OF UTTAR PRADESH
At one time, Uttar Pradesh was not Uttar Pradesh but rather a state dependent on the almighty. So, the same state, which was once under jungle raj and was dominated by goons and mafias, is now showing rapid growth in the economy. The corruption was so bad, the police were so badly controlled by the politicians that the police were used to harass journalists. The interstate used to run in caste-based politics. This caste-based divide-and-rule policy was also used by the police. Different mafias had so much influence on the government that the government officers who used to investigate the mafia used to lose their jobs. Uttar Pradesh’s top police officers cite that Uttar Pradesh’s top political leadership is completely corrupt.
AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT IN UTTAR PRADESH
One district one product initiative has been seen as a transformation step towards realizing the true potential of a district. Fueling economic growth and generating employment and rural entrepreneurship are taking Uttar Pradesh to the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Uttar Pradesh government has embarked on Mirzapur’s carpet-making industry under the far-reaching One District One product program.
REASONS DUE TO WHICH UTTAR PRADESH WAS A POOR STATE
The first problem is the lack of resources to access the hot markets. The second reason is a lack of awareness about the high-demand markets. Lastly, we have some miscellaneous but major problems for different products, like some lack marketing, others do not have the tech to achieve low-cost production, and many need garment subsidies and consultation to achieve economies of scale.
Uttar Pradesh is striving hard to reach the top level of industrial growth and to provide all its citizens employment which will in turn boost the economy of the state. Uttar Pradesh has come much more forward than before.
