Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the UP Swadeshi Mela and Trade Show at Champadevi Park in Gorakhpur, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s transformation from a once “sick” state to a thriving hub of industry, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi declared, “This Swadeshi Mela marks a turning point in Uttar Pradesh’s development journey. What was once considered a BIMARU state has now emerged as an ‘Udyam Pradesh’ — a state of enterprise.”
UP’s Business Landscape Reimagined
Highlighting the improved business environment, CM Yogi emphasized that Uttar Pradesh today boasts:
- World-class infrastructure
- Ease of Doing Business reforms
- Robust law and order
He asserted that when these factors converge, no global investor can overlook the opportunity. This transformation has positioned UP as a growth engine for the nation.
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Swadeshi Mela: A Platform for Local Products
The Chief Minister noted that Swadeshi Melas are being organized in every district of Uttar Pradesh, following the grand success of the UP International Trade Show held in Greater Noida (September 25–29). That event showcased over 2,250 entrepreneurs, attracted 500+ foreign buyers, and generated ₹11,200 crore in product sales.
“This is the new image of Uttar Pradesh — a state rising with enterprise,” Yogi said.
From Enterprise to Employment
CM Yogi highlighted how promoting local industry directly contributes to employment generation, better connectivity, technological innovation, and rural development. He credited the Double Engine Government (state and center) for creating an atmosphere of security and investment confidence since 2017.
Key initiatives that have fueled this growth include:
- Simplified industrial policies
- Zero tolerance towards crime
- MSME support with up to 1,000 days NOC waiver
Today, 96 lakh MSME units operate across the state, directly supporting over 2 crore jobs — the second-highest employment sector after agriculture.
Infrastructure Boom Fuelling Self-Reliance
CM Yogi outlined the sweeping infrastructure development across UP:
- Airports: From 2 operational airports in 2017 to 16 active airports today; Asia’s largest upcoming Jewar International Airport
- Metro & Electric Mobility: Metro services in 6 cities; expansion of electric buses and soon, local e-bus manufacturing
- Highways, Railways, and Inland Waterways: UP now leads with the country’s largest rail network, first rapid rail, and the first inland waterway (Varanasi–Haldia)
These developments not only serve industry but also improve citizen mobility and logistics efficiency.
Call to Support Swadeshi for a Stronger Nation
Urging citizens to embrace Swadeshi products, CM Yogi said, “By choosing indigenous goods, we respect the hard work of our artisans and ensure the country’s money stays within our borders. Profits from imported goods often fund causes against national interest, such as terrorism and separatism.”
He aligned the movement with PM Modi’s vision of “Vocal for Local” and “Local for Global”, emphasizing the role of each citizen in shaping Viksit Bharat and Viksit Uttar Pradesh.
Showcasing ODOP and GI-Tagged Products
The CM also highlighted the success of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, citing how terracotta idols made in Gorakhpur have replaced Chinese-made Diwali idols and now enjoy GI tag recognition.
Uttar Pradesh is now the leading state for GI-tagged products and has become India’s top hub for electronics manufacturing, producing 60% of the country’s mobile phones.
Support for Entrepreneurs and Artisans
At the event, CM Yogi distributed:
- Incentives worth crores to textile entrepreneurs under the State’s Textile Policy
- Loans to young entrepreneurs under the CM Youth Entrepreneur Scheme
- GI tag certificates to artisans producing terracotta crafts
Major beneficiaries included Gaurav Bathwal (₹34.10 crore), Pramod Matanhelia (₹13.46 crore), Umesh Singh (₹2.08 crore), and Rajesh Jaiswal (₹1.49 crore) in textile incentives.
Voices of Support from Central and State Ministers
Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan praised CM Yogi’s leadership in making UP a role model for self-reliance, law and order, and industrial progress.
Minister for MSME, Khadi, and Textiles Rakesh Sachan noted that UP is the first state to organize Swadeshi Melas across all districts simultaneously and confirmed that three successful editions of the UP International Trade Show have further strengthened Brand UP.
CM Assures Bigger Platforms Ahead
Concluding his address, CM Yogi assured that the government will continue to expand platforms for Swadeshi products, urging citizens to shop and gift only indigenous items, especially during festive seasons.
“Swadeshi is not just a choice — it’s a responsibility toward our economy, artisans, and national self-respect,” the Chief Minister said.
