Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared that the newly launched 'One District, One Cuisine' (ODOC) initiative will become a cornerstone of Uttar Pradesh's economic strength and a powerful vehicle for promoting the state's diverse local cuisines on the global stage. The announcement came during the UP Diwas celebrations held at Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah formally inaugurated the ambitious scheme.
ODOC Initiative: A Gateway to Global Markets
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath elaborated on the multifaceted benefits of the ODOC program. "Today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched the 'One District, One Cuisine' scheme, which will ensure that hygienic and nutritious traditional food items from each of our 75 districts reach people everywhere," he stated. The initiative is designed to systematically elevate local culinary products through a comprehensive strategy.
The plan includes:
- Geo-tagging of local products to authenticate their origin and quality.
- Professional branding, packaging, and designing tailored to meet both domestic and international consumer demands.
- Creating robust export opportunities for traditional dishes, thereby integrating Uttar Pradesh's culinary heritage into the global food economy.
Celebrating UP's Foundation and Leadership
Reflecting on the state's foundation day, the Chief Minister noted that the celebrations were being held simultaneously at Rashtriya Prerna Sthal across all 75 districts and numerous other locations. "This allows people from Uttar Pradesh, whether residing elsewhere in India or abroad, to connect with our cultural roots," he emphasized. He recalled the inaugural UP Diwas in 2018, attended by then-Governor Ram Naik and Union Minister Amit Shah, who was the BJP National President at the time.
Adityanath also shared a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the nation's transformation over the past eleven years. "Uttar Pradesh has played a pivotal role in this journey of development," he remarked, reading from the Prime Minister's letter which praised the state's rich heritage, progressive development trajectory, and enhanced infrastructure and public facilities.
Honoring Excellence and Fostering Youth Employment
In a significant segment of the ceremony, the Chief Minister congratulated five individuals who were bestowed with the 'Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman' for their exceptional contributions. "Their innovative work and dedication align perfectly with Prime Minister Modi's 'Viksit Bharat' mission," he said, acknowledging their role in the state's advancement.
Furthermore, Adityanath announced the upcoming launch of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Employment and Industrial Zone, a youth-centric initiative set to be inaugurated by Amit Shah. "This scheme will develop approximately 100 acres in each district to foster skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship by aligning the abilities of our youth with tangible job and business opportunities," he explained, underscoring the government's commitment to economic empowerment.
Recognition for Administrative Excellence
The event also saw the recognition of administrative prowess, with five District Magistrates being honored for their outstanding performance under the 'CM YUVA' scheme. The awardees include:
- Dr. Dinesh Chandra, DM Jaunpur
- Ravindra Kumar, DM Azamgarh
- Anunay Jha, DM Hardoi
- Anupam Shukla, DM Ambedkarnagar
- Mridul Chaudhary, DM Jhansi
Under the overarching theme of 'Viksit Bharat-Viksit Uttar Pradesh', the five Gaurav Samman recipients were awarded Rs 11 lakh, an angavastram, a memento, and a citation, symbolizing the state's appreciation for their dedication.
The ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit president Pankaj Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, among others, marking a collective commitment to the state's growth and cultural promotion.
