Did Previous UP Governments Favor 'One District, One Mafia' Over Development?
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Synopsis
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath targets the 'one district, one co-operative bank' initiative while condemning past governments for prioritizing mafia over farmers. This movement aims to restore financial stability and foster development in the state. Will this new strategy transform the cooperative landscape in UP?
Key Takeaways
- Uttar Pradesh is shifting towards a cooperative banking model to enhance farmer welfare.
- The focus on youth involvement is crucial for the success of this initiative.
- Previous administrations have been criticized for enabling a mafia culture that harmed cooperative banks.
- Financial recovery efforts have restored Rs 4,700 crore to farmers.
- District co-operative banks are now seen as vital for financial inclusion and job creation.
Lucknow, Dec 21 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday outlined ambitious plans to implement the goal of “one district, one co-operative bank” shortly, criticizing former governments for endangering farmers and banks by prioritizing “one district, one mafia”.
During the inauguration of the Youth Cooperative Conference and UP Co-operative Expo-2025, CM Yogi noted, “Currently, there are over two lakh accounts and Rs 550 crore in deposits in district co-operative banks -- a complete turnaround from the pre-2017 period when 16 district co-operative banks were labeled defaulters by the RBI.”
He mentioned how these banks were then at risk of losing their licenses.
“Today, district co-operative banks are not defaulters or in distress but are actively contributing to the prosperity of both farmers and the state,” stated the CM.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the 50 district co-operative banks in Uttar Pradesh are now profitable.
He described the previous situation as an ailment that was leading these banks towards failure. “However, we addressed this issue promptly and restored their viability,” he added.
CM Yogi criticized the former Samajwadi Party government for neglecting co-operative banks while enabling lawlessness and extortion under the guise of “one district, one mafia”.
He remarked that the mafia control prior to 2017 was detrimental to the co-operative sector. “Farmers’ funds were trapped in co-operative banks. Through the revival of these banks, we successfully recovered Rs 4,700 crore for the farmers,” he noted.
“Today, Uttar Pradesh is free from mafia control and is advancing towards ‘One district, One Co-operative bank’, a strategy crucial for financial inclusion and job creation,” he emphasized.
Encouraging the youth to spearhead the cooperative movement and guide the state towards development, the Chief Minister remarked that young people are the future and crucial to the cooperative initiative.
“This youth cooperative conference will mark a significant milestone on the path to the state's prosperity and collective advancement,” he stated.
Point of View
One co-operative bank' is promising, it is essential to consider the broader implications for farmers and the economy. The previous governments' focus on mafia control over cooperative structures raises questions about governance and accountability moving forward. The role of youth in revitalizing this sector could be pivotal, but success will depend on sustained effort and genuine reform.
NationPress
22/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'one district, one co-operative bank' initiative?
The 'one district, one co-operative bank' initiative aims to establish a single cooperative bank in each district to enhance financial inclusion and support local farmers.
How did previous governments affect farmers in Uttar Pradesh?
Previous governments have been criticized for focusing on mafia control, which harmed farmers and led to financial mismanagement in cooperative banks.
What improvements have been made in district co-operative banks since 2017?
Since 2017, district co-operative banks have become profitable, with over two lakh accounts and significant deposits, reversing the trend of defaults.
