Team of IFS officers meets Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Lucknow : ● Four officers of the Indian Foreign Service (2007 batch) met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday. These senior diplomats, who came to the state capital after a week-long orientation program to observe the efforts being made by the state government for the overall development of 8 aspirational districts, shared the experiences of their visit with the Chief Minister and gave their suggestions for development of the state.
● The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India has a strong position on the global stage today, and that the contribution of foreign service officers is important
1) Uttar Pradesh is moving forward with the mantra of talent, tradition, trade, technology and tourism: CM Yogi
2) Foreign Service officers impressed by ongoing development efforts in aspirational districts
3) There is immense potential for the development of spiritual tourism in the state
4) Uttar Pradesh’s role is important in achieving the goals of SDG, said the officials
● The Chief Minister said that Uttar Pradesh with a population of 25 crores is the most populous state in India. This is the heartland of India. It is the source of India’s spiritual and cultural traditions. The fertile land here is the basis of the prosperity of this region.
● The Chief Minister stated that the mantra ‘5T’ has been given by the respected Prime Minister to expedite the pace of development. ‘5T’ stands for ‘Talent, Tradition Trade, Technology and Tourism’. Uttar Pradesh is continuously moving forward by imbibing these mantras.
● Discussing the efforts for the development of spiritual tourism in the state, the Chief Minister said that region-specific tourism like Buddha Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Braj Circuit, Vindhya-Varanasi Circuit is being encouraged by the state government. Facilities are provided here based on the needs and expectations of visitors and devotees.
● The Chief Minister said that a large number of citizens of the state migrate to South-East Asia and Gulf countries. They are largely unskilled workers. Being unskilled, their remuneration is also usually low. The government is making efforts to improve their skills in such a circumstance. With the help of the Ministry of External Affairs, such people can be identified and work can be done to enhance their skills.
● The Chief Minister said that in 8 aspirational districts of the state (Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Fatehpur, Chitrakoot, Bahraich and Shravasti) identified by NITI Aayog, planned work is being done on all parameters of development. According to the Continuous Real Time Monitoring Dashboard (Champions of Change) released by NITI Aayog, these districts have secured a good position. In the latest list of best-effort districts out of total 112 aspirational districts in the country, 06 of our districts feature in the top 10, while all 08 districts of UP feature in the top 20.
● The Chief Minister said that with the inspiration of the Prime Minister, on the lines of aspirational districts, the state government is making efforts for socio-economic improvement of aspirational development blocks and has now prepared an action plan for aspirational local bodies on the same lines. Efforts will be made for the overall development of these aspirational areas on fixed 75 indicators in the areas of health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion, skill development and infrastructure, etc.
● The Chief Minister also informed the officers about the innovative ‘ODOP’ scheme launched for the promotion of traditional crafts of the state. He said that One District, One Product Scheme (ODOP) is a symbol of our heritage. He said that due to the effective implementation of the ODOP scheme, there has been a record increase in exports from the state. In the last five years, exports have increased from about Rs 88 thousand crore to nearly Rs 1.57 lakh crore.
● During the meeting, the officials praised the improving infrastructure facilities, rejuvenation of schools, Amrit Sarovar, strong law and order, policies encouraging industry, and investment-friendly environment in the state. They also appreciated the efforts of the state government on ‘ease of doing business’ scale. In addition to expressing happiness over the unprecedented success of the Global Investors Summit 2023, they referred to it as crucial to the development of the state and the nation.
● While discussing the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the state, officials also gave their suggestions regarding the development of possibilities of spiritual tourism in the state.
● Talking about the efforts to give a unique identity to the Indian culture on the global stage through Prayagraj Kumbh 2019, the officials expressed interest to provide appropriate cooperation during the upcoming Kumbh 2025.
● Appreciating the policy implementation of Uttar Pradesh in achieving the goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the officials said that the state has potential, and immense possibilities. Uttar Pradesh can play an important role in achieving the ambitious goals of SDGs.
