Governor Patel Praises Uttar Pradesh's Remarkable Transformation
In a significant address to the joint sitting of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature on the first day of the Budget session, Governor Anandiben Patel declared that the state has undergone a profound metamorphosis. She asserted that Uttar Pradesh has successfully transitioned from being perceived as a "bottleneck state" to emerging as a "breakthrough state," showcasing substantial advancements across multiple sectors.
Law and Order: A National Benchmark
Governor Patel emphasized that the law-and-order situation in Uttar Pradesh is now setting an effective benchmark for the entire country. She credited the government's balanced approach, combining firmness with sensitivity, for establishing decisive control over organized crime and mafia networks.
"Through the extensive use of modern technology, a strengthened police force, swift justice delivery, and transparent administrative systems, a fear-free and trust-based environment has been created," she stated. This secure atmosphere, she added, is positioning Uttar Pradesh as one of India's most attractive and reliable destinations for industry, business, startups, investment, and large-scale employment generation.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Building a New Foundation
Highlighting the strides in infrastructure development, Patel noted that connectivity, transportation, and logistics in the state have been given a new direction. Significant progress includes 168 development block headquarters now connected with double-lane roads and the completion of 161 roads spanning a total length of 1,410 kilometers.
The government has set an ambitious target to strengthen 46,600 kilometers of roads by 2025-26, with nearly 28,000 kilometers already upgraded. "The government believes in taking problems to their logical solutions," she remarked, underscoring the commitment to infrastructure as a cornerstone of development.
Agricultural and Economic Empowerment
Governor Patel announced that Uttar Pradesh has established itself as a surplus grain state in the country. She detailed various government initiatives aimed at boosting the agricultural sector:
- Promotion of coarse grains and natural farming practices.
- Implementation of schemes like Kisan Samriddhi Yojana, PM-KUSUM, and the farm pond scheme.
- Record payment of over Rs 3 lakh crore towards sugarcane dues since 2017.
- Protection of cattle, with 12,38,547 animals sheltered in 7,497 cow shelters across the state.
Additionally, under the CM's Fisheries Wealth Scheme, construction of 2,163 hectares of ponds and 291 hectares of rearing units was completed between 2020 and 2025.
Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare
Patel highlighted that, with the resolve of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, nearly six crore people in Uttar Pradesh have been lifted out of poverty. The government is committed to making 2026 a strong symbol of ‘Antyodaya’, social justice, and inclusive public welfare, with zero poverty as a central policy goal.
Key social welfare achievements include:
- Coverage of 26,81,403 people under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana.
- Allocation of Rs 325 crore during 2025-27 under the pre-matric scholarship scheme, benefiting nearly 11 lakh OBC students in classes 9 and 10.
- Employment provided to 69 dependents of "martyrs" since 2018.
Urban Development, Housing, and Environmental Conservation
On urban development, Patel reported that under PM Awas Yojana (Rural), 3.637 million houses have been constructed, while under CM Awas Yojana (Rural), 367,000 houses have been fully completed. To achieve the goal of making Uttar Pradesh a one-trillion-dollar economy, there is a proposal to develop 100 new townships over the next five years, with construction already underway in 34 of them.
In the power sector, she noted a historic transformation, with uninterrupted power now ensured for 24 hours in urban headquarters, 21 hours in tehsil headquarters, and 19 hours in rural areas.
Environmental efforts have also been significant, with 242.13 crore saplings planted since 2017, increasing the state's forest cover to 9.96%. The mining sector reforms have yielded substantial revenue, earning Rs 28,920 crore since 2017 compared to just Rs 7,712 crore during 2012-17.
Education and Vision for the Future
In the field of education, the governor highlighted the appointment of 6,808 assistant teachers and 1,939 government teachers, strengthening the educational framework through a total of 8,966 new appointments.
Patel concluded by affirming the government's firm resolve to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. "I am pleased that a very meaningful discussion was held in the state legislature for preparing the Developed India, Developed Uttar Pradesh @2047 vision document," she said, underscoring the state's commitment to long-term growth and development.
