Agriculture Thrives, Law and Order Restored, Claims CM Yogi on 8 Years of Governance

Lucknow, March 24 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, declared on Monday that the BJP-led government, often referred to as the double-engine government, has accomplished more in the span of eight years than what previous administrations achieved in a total of 22 years.

During an event commemorating eight years of BJP governance in Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi attributed the state's transformation to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed his appreciation to the state's 25 crore citizens for their unwavering support.

Looking back to eight years prior, he remarked that Uttar Pradesh was grappling with an identity crisis, with farmers facing suicide rates, youth lacking job opportunities, and a breakdown in law and order.

"The same state machinery is present today, yet a simple change in governance has led to astonishing advancements," he stated.

He pointed out that Uttar Pradesh, which was once categorized among the BIMARU (lagging) states, has now emerged as the growth engine for the nation’s economic progress.

CM Yogi noted that prior to 2017, agriculture was largely ignored; however, with the infusion of resources and modern technology, the sector has prospered. He highlighted that the agricultural growth rate surged from 5 percent in 2016-17 to over 13.5 percent, contributing to a 28 percent increase in Uttar Pradesh's GDP.

He mentioned the effectiveness of government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana in enhancing farmers' livelihoods. Moreover, he pointed out that food grain production has risen by 20 percent in just the past year.

The Chief Minister also accentuated the revival of the sugar industry, which was on the brink of collapse before 2017.

He explained that the government reopened six closed sugar mills, introduced three new ones, expanded 38 others, and ensured that 122 sugar mills are currently operational. He added that since 2017, sugarcane farmers have received payments exceeding Rs 2.8 lakh crore, surpassing the total disbursements made by previous administrations over 22 years.

"When compared to the 22-year term of prior governments, whatever they accomplished in that time, our government has achieved in just eight years," the Chief Minister remarked.

On the subject of law and order, CM Yogi recalled how riots, crime, and fear ruled the state before 2017.

"Riots occurred nearly every other day. Neither daughters nor businesspeople felt safe. Today, Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in law and order, with the successful Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj serving as evidence," he stated.

He attributed these improvements to systematic police reforms, noting that when the BJP came to power, there were 1.5 lakh vacant police positions, and recruitment was plagued by corruption.

"For the first time, over 1.56 lakh police officers were hired transparently, and an additional 60,200 recruits have been completed," he mentioned. He further observed that in the past eight years, more than 2.16 lakh police personnel have joined the force.

CM Yogi also stressed the infrastructural advancements within the police department. He stated that prior to 2017, ten districts lacked police lines, and barracks were in poor condition.

Currently, police lines have been established in all ten districts, barracks have been constructed at police stations, and training capacity for police has significantly improved.

He also brought attention to efforts aimed at preventing riots, noting that previous governments had weakened law enforcement by discontinuing 54 PAC battalions.

"They conspired to give rioters free rein. Our administration has reinstated these PAC battalions, created three women battalions, and initiated five new PAC units throughout the state," he stated.

To bolster security, a Special Security Force was formed for airports, metros, and other critical institutions, and cyber police stations were established in every district. He added that the response time for emergency service 112 has decreased from 25 minutes 42 seconds in 2017 to just 7 minutes 24 seconds today.

CM Yogi also praised the installation of over 11 lakh CCTV cameras statewide, describing it as a significant milestone in making Uttar Pradesh the first state in India to implement the cyber city concept, as mandated by the Supreme Court following the Nirbhaya incident.

The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s dedication to ensuring safety, effective governance, and development, asserting that the transformation witnessed over the last eight years is a testament to what a committed administration can accomplish.