Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, emphasised the transformative role played by the One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme in the context of Uttar Pradesh.

The UP chief minister said during the previous governments, UP’s exports were worth Rs 86,000 crores, while the state’s exports today was worth Rs 2 lakh crore under the ODOP Scheme alone.

Yogi made the remark while reflecting on the impact of the ODOP Scheme launched in 2018, during the inauguration of the seventh Uttar Pradesh Day here. He also highlighted the significance of the Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day as a potent platform for realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

He further said 96 lakh MSME units are operational in the state, providing employment to 40 lakh people from Uttar Pradesh who returned to the state during the COVID period. The government is extending a security insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to MSME units in the state in case of accidents or disasters, he added.

During this, he also distributed Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2023-24 and launched the ‘ODOP Mart Portal’ for e-marketing of ODOP products. Yogi Adityanath pointed out that the world recognized the potential of Uttar Pradesh through the International Trade Show organised in Noida last year, which attracted more than 500 foreign buyers.

He shared that on the third foundation day of the state, the government implemented a new apprenticeship scheme, resulting in the participation of lakhs of youth.

Reflecting on the state’s economic condition before 2017, Yogi Adityanath acknowledged challenges such as salary payment issues, chaos, and an identity crisis. He remarked, “After 2017, when the double engine government started functioning, a better security environment was created in the state. Today, the results are evident. The youth, entrepreneurs, and businessmen of Uttar Pradesh no longer need to conceal their identity within the country.”

He emphasised that Uttar Pradesh has fortified its economic position over the last seven years, witnessing improvements in infrastructure and connectivity.

CM Yogi pointed out that while in the past, during festivals, markets used to be flooded with substandard Chinese products. Today, those products have been replaced by ODOPs from the state. People gift ODOP products crafted by entrepreneurs and artisans from our state, he added, asserting that the spiritual and cultural heritage of India flows through Uttar Pradesh.

Expressing the significance of the seventh foundation day of the state, CM Yogi explained that it holds immense importance as Lord Ram has returned to his abode in Ayodhyapuri, one of the ‘Saptapuris,’ marking the end of his 500 years of exile. Therefore, the Foundation Day program becomes a momentous occasion for the people of Uttar Pradesh.

On this occasion, CM Yogi also honoured Lucknow-based scientist Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava and Naveen Tiwari of Kanpur with the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman. Dr. Ritu played an important role in the development of India’s Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan. She was also the Deputy Operations Director for this mission. Dr. Ritu has been working for ISRO since 1997.

Naveen Tiwari has established the largest independent mobile Ad tech platform in the world, connecting local businesses in Uttar Pradesh and India with national and international audiences. The lock screen software developed by his enterprise is actively featured on over 400 million smartphones worldwide.

As an entrepreneur, Naveen has not only expanded his presence to 26 countries, but has also played a significant role in elevating India’s standing on the global stage. His initiatives have led to the direct employment of 3000 individuals, while simultaneously providing indirect employment opportunities for thousands more.

On the sidelines of the event, cultural performances from diverse states were also held. The stage came alive with vibrant folk dances performed by artists from Gujarat, Jammu-Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Sikkim, and Goa. Additionally, artists from Bundelkhand, Awadh, Purvanchal, and the Braj region showcased their talents by presenting folk songs dedicated to Lord Ram. The program also featured soulful renditions of devotional music as part of Shri Ramotsav-2024, adding a spiritual dimension to the cultural celebration.

Prior to his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Shilp Mela and exhibition based on the development schemes of various departments on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Diwas. During this session, he engaged with entrepreneurs, gaining insights into their showcased products and acknowledging their efforts. He also honored many people and distributed toolkits under Vishwakarma Shram Samman and ODOP toolkits.

President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and BJP President JP Nadda extended their congratulations on Uttar Pradesh Diwas through the social media platform X. President Murmu wrote on Twitter, “My heartfelt greetings to all the residents of the state on Uttar Pradesh Diwas. This most populous state in the country is playing a leading role in the social, cultural and economic progress of India. I wish happiness and prosperity to the skilled, hardworking and loyal people of Uttar Pradesh. I am confident that this state and its residents will always remain on the path of development.”

Prime Minister Modi While posted on Instagram, “Many best wishes to all the family members of Uttar Pradesh, the holy land of spirituality, knowledge and education, on the foundation day of the state. In the last seven years, the state has written a new story of progress, in which the public has actively participated along with the state government. I am confident that Uttar Pradesh will play a leading role in the resolution journey of developed India.”

BJP President JP Nadda wrote on Instagram, “Heartiest greetings to all the people of the state on the foundation day of Uttar Pradesh, the sacred land of culture, spirituality and heritage. Under the guidance of respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, the state is continuously moving on the path of progress and prestige. Our resolve of service, good governance and development is paving the way for ‘Developed Uttar Pradesh’.”

In a post on X, Chief Minister Yogi expressed his gratitude to the President, Prime Minister, and BJP President. Additionally, he reaffirmed his commitment to establishing ‘Ramrajya’ in Uttar Pradesh under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi.