Lucknow witnessed a significant gathering of experts, industrialists, and government officials on Friday during the fourth edition of the Economic Times Vision Conclave, where ambitious plans for Uttar Pradesh's comprehensive development took center stage.
Long-Term Vision Replaces Five-Year Plans
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of UP Transformation Commission and former Chief Secretary, delivered a keynote address highlighting a fundamental shift in the state's planning approach. For the first time, both central and state governments are collaborating on a long-term vision plan extending to 2047, moving away from the traditional five-year planning model that had dominated Indian governance for decades.
"The political leadership has laid out a broader horizon for industry stakeholders, urging them to work as per the plan till 2047," Singh emphasized, marking a significant departure from previous short-term planning cycles.
Economic Ambitions and Sectoral Focus
Uttar Pradesh's economic landscape shows promising growth, with the state's GDP currently hovering close to ₹28 lakh crore, representing a doubling of economic output within eight years. Singh pointed to substantial opportunities for scaling growth, particularly within the agriculture sector, while stressing the need for better facilities and efforts to create wider overseas markets for UP's agricultural products.
The education sector received particular attention, with Singh highlighting gaps in both education departments and skill training programs. He revealed that residential educational institutes are being developed with a budget of ₹30 crore across the state, which he believes will substantially improve the educational landscape.
Lucknow as India's AI Hub
Akhil Kumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Digital India Corporation, announced a determined effort by both central and state governments to develop Lucknow as the artificial intelligence hub of the country. He stressed the necessity of creating better incentive programs to encourage private players to develop more efficient and innovative products.
Nilachal Mishra, Partner and Head of Government and Public Services at KPMG India, contributed to the discussion by sharing insights on potential avenues for further strengthening the state's economy.
Massive Public Participation
The state government's outreach for the Viksit UP 2047 vision plan has generated tremendous response, with 98 lakh suggestions received from residents, industries, and students across all stakeholder groups. This massive participation demonstrates widespread public interest in shaping the state's future development trajectory.
Independent ministers Yogendra Upadhyay (Higher Education) and Asim Arun (Social Welfare) detailed various initiatives and steps the state government has implemented to reach all sections of society, ensuring inclusive development remains a cornerstone of the 2047 vision.
Industrialists Pledge Support
Prominent industrialists expressed strong support for Uttar Pradesh's development vision. Khalid Masood, Whole-time Director of Shalimar Corp, articulated his perspective that "Viksit UP is about cities evolving thoughtfully with real estate at its core." He confirmed that landmark projects will soon launch in Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, aiming to shape the state's urban future through careful planning and meaningful development.
Amar Sinha, Chief Operating Officer at Radico Khaitan Ltd, praised the clarity of direction in both the Viksit Bharat and Viksit UP visions, noting that they prioritize growth, governance, and opportunities for every stakeholder. He specifically acknowledged the significant improvements in law, order, and infrastructure under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership as key accelerators of the state's progress.
The conclave concluded with a strong consensus about Uttar Pradesh's potential to transform into an economic powerhouse, driven by coordinated efforts between government, industry, and citizens, all aligned toward the ambitious 2047 development goals.
