Uttar Pradesh Pivots to Speed of Doing Business After Top Ease of Doing Business Ranking
Following its achievement of the top position in ease of doing business, Uttar Pradesh is now strategically focusing on enhancing the speed of doing business, according to Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttar Pradesh State Transformation Commission. This announcement was made during his keynote address at the UP Transformation Dialogue held on Friday.
Next Phase of Reforms: Faster Clearances and Time-Bound Delivery
Singh emphasized that the state is entering a new phase of reforms, with a primary focus on expediting clearances and ensuring time-bound delivery of services. He expressed enthusiasm about Uttar Pradesh aligning with global trends that are shaping the modern world.
Global Trends Influencing UP's Strategy
He highlighted two key global shifts: the move from multilateralism towards protectionism and bilateral trade arrangements, exemplified by India's trade deals with the European Union, and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and data-driven systems. Singh described data centers as the AI factories of the world, stating that regions possessing these facilities will experience significant growth.
Data Center Investment and State Data Authority
Pointing out that India generates nearly 20% of the world's data but accounts for only about 3% of global data storage capacity, Singh underscored the immense potential in this sector. To capitalize on this opportunity, Uttar Pradesh has allocated Rs 100 crore in its latest budget to establish data center clusters.
Additionally, Singh mentioned that steps like the creation of a State Data Authority will strengthen the state's position. This initiative aims to eliminate discrepancies between field-level and paper data, ensuring real-time data availability for more informed policy decisions.
Economic Transformation Over Eight Years
Singh provided compelling statistics to illustrate Uttar Pradesh's transformation over the past eight years. He noted that UP is the only state to have tripled its budget size, from Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 12 lakh crore, while simultaneously doubling its per capita income from approximately USD 600 in 2017 to nearly USD 1,300 currently.
During the same period, the state's gross domestic product grew from Rs 17 lakh crore to Rs 30 lakh crore. Singh highlighted the significance of the per capita income increase, which occurred despite a population growth of 4 crore, attributing this success to advancements in infrastructure, IT and ITeS exports, manufacturing, and services.
He also credited improvements in law and order, streamlined governance processes, and policy stability for boosting investor confidence in the state.
Leveraging Strengths in Agriculture and Human Resources
Singh underlined that Uttar Pradesh should capitalize on its core strengths, particularly agriculture and human resources. He revealed that 75% of UP's land is under cultivation, compared to 45% in India and 10% globally, with assured irrigation covering 86% of farmland in UP, against 55% nationally and 21% worldwide.
These factors position UP as a potential global agricultural powerhouse, capable of lifting farming families out of poverty. To maximize this potential, the state is working to improve crop productivity, which currently stands at about 40% of the world average, and focusing on processing and exporting agricultural commodities.
Investments in Human Resources and Governance Reforms
Singh also highlighted allocations aimed at enhancing the quality of human resources, including investments to reduce maternal mortality and malnutrition. He stressed that long-term economic growth depends on having healthier and better-skilled citizens.
Reiterating the importance of governance reforms, Singh stated that these efforts are centered on building trust and efficiency. The principle of 'Jan Vishwas' will anchor the next phase of Uttar Pradesh's transformation journey.
Leadership and Cohesive Development
Singh credited Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for anchoring the state's change, describing UP as an example of what dedicated, visionary, and honest leadership can achieve. He noted that CM Yogi Adityanath has helped alter perceptions about the state and motivated the workforce to work cohesively towards a shared goal of development, a cohesiveness that administrative machinery alone cannot deliver.
