What Are The Chances Of UP Becoming An Uttam Pradesh?

Mostly, the only time one hears anything positive about the state of Uttar Pradesh is when news reports are trying to emphasise the political might of the state by stating how UP, with its 80 Lok Sabha seats, plays a make or break role in forming governments at the Centre. The challenges faced by the most populous and geographically the fifth largest state in India are too many, and keep UP in news, mostly for things that cannot be termed as good news. The new chief minister (CM) seems to have pledged to change this. After taking oath as state CM on March 19, Yogi Adityanath has been announcing measures to change things in a state that has earned itself the dubious reputation of being a BIMARU (sick) state. His proactive approach has led observers to compare Yogi's style of work with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Here are certain announcements made by the state government that might improve UP's infrastructure if things work out as planned:

In a recent meeting, the CM reportedly directed officials to make cities clean and told them to ensure there were no potholes in roads in the coming 100 days. Those who have been in the state would know what a difficult task would it be to achieve. A ride in most UP cities is bound to be a bumpy. The CM also wants stray cattle to be provided shelters so that streets remain clear.

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If you want to build a house, you will have incorporate a provision for rainwater harvesting facility in the map if you want the authorities to pass it. Depleting groundwater levels have been a key concern for the state where the demand for housing has been rising by leaps and bounds and unauthorised constructions have been mushrooming.

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The CM wants 70 lakh people to be employed in the coming five years. And to do so, his government will be setting up the country's biggest business incubator near the airport in state capital Lucknow. This could be a game-changer as unemployment has been a key reason behind UP's status as a poor state.

The state government is all set to launch six AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) branches and 25 medical colleges across the state. So far, the healthcare infrastructure of the state is in a bad state.

Safety is another concern. “Even if a woman is out on road at 10 pm at night, she should feel safe,” Adityanath was quoted by media as saying at a rally in Gorakhpur. It would be interesting to see how he prepares his state to provide such a safety to women, notorious for a high crime rate and lawlessness.