PM’s address at 4th Groundbreaking ceremony of UP Global Investors’ Summit in Lucknow
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 19 Feb, 2024

Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel; the dynamic Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath Ji; my cabinet colleague, the Defence Minister of the country, Shri Rajnath Singh Ji; the Deputy Chief Minister of UP; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly; other dignitaries; all representatives of the industrial sector from Bharat and abroad; and my family members. Today, we stand united here with a determination to build a developed Uttar Pradesh for a developed Bharat. I have been informed that presently, through technology, lakhs of individuals are with us in this event, across more than 400 assembly seats of Uttar Pradesh. I extend a warm welcome to all my colleagues who are participating in this programme through technology. Seven to eight years ago, we could scarcely envision the current environment of investment and job opportunities in Uttar Pradesh. Reports of crimes, riots, and thefts abounded. During that time, if someone had expressed aspirations to develop UP, few would have listened, let alone believed. Yet, today, investments worth lakhs of crores of rupees are pouring into Uttar Pradesh. As an MP from Uttar Pradesh, witnessing developments in my state fills me with immense joy. Today, work is commencing on thousands of projects. These upcoming factories and industries are poised to transform the landscape of UP. I extend heartfelt congratulations to all investors, particularly the youth of UP. Friends, It has been seven years since the formation of a double engine government in UP. During this time, the bureaucratic hurdles (red tapism) that once plagued the state have been dismantled, and a red carpet for a culture of ease in doing business has been rolled out. Crime rates have declined while business opportunities have flourished. UP has fostered an environment of business, development, and trust. The double engine government has demonstrated that with genuine intent for change, progress is inevitable. UP’s exports have doubled in recent years.  Be it power generation or transmission of electricity, today UP is doing commendable work. Notably, UP leads the nation in expressways and international airports. The state is also home to the country’s first rapid rail system. The extensive network of Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridors traverses Uttar Pradesh. The vast network of rivers in UP is also being used for cargo ships. These developments have facilitated easier movement and more efficient transportation in UP. Friends, Today’s event is not merely about investment; it symbolizes a broader optimism and expectation of better returns. Around the world, there is unprecedented positivity about Bharat’s growth trajectory. A few days ago I returned from a foreign trip to UAE and Qatar. Every country is confident about Bharat’s growth story.  While there is much discussion about “Modi’s guarantee” domestically, the world views Bharat as a guarantee of better returns. Often we have seen that near elections people avoid new investments. But today Bharat has broken this notion as well. Even in the run-up to elections, investors worldwide are expressing confidence in Bharat’s stability, policies, and governance. This sentiment is evident here in UP and Lucknow as well. Brothers and Sisters, When I speak of a developed Bharat, it necessitates fresh perspectives and new directions. The outdated mindset that prevailed for decades after independence hindered progress. The focus was solely on providing livelihoods while depriving citizens of basic amenities. Previous governments concentrated facilities and job opportunities in a handful of major cities, leaving much of the country underdeveloped. This was easy to do because it required less effort. Uttar Pradesh faced similar neglect in the past. However, the double engine government has shattered this outdated political mindset. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for every family in Uttar Pradesh. When life becomes easier, conducting business naturally follows suit. We have constructed four crore pucca houses for the poor and provided approximately Rs 60,000 crore in assistance to middle-class families in urban areas to realize their dream of home-ownership. Through this initiative, 25 lakh middle-class families in urban areas have received interest rebates, including 1.5 lakh beneficiary families in UP. The middle class has also benefited significantly from the income tax reduction implemented by our government. Prior to 2014, income tax was levied on income exceeding Rs 2 lakh. Under the BJP government, no income tax is imposed on income up to Rs 7 lakh, leaving substantial funds in the hands of the middle class. Friends, We have placed equal emphasis on improving the quality of life and facilitating business operations in Uttar Pradesh. The objective of the double engine government is to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is excluded from government schemes. During the recent Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, numerous beneficiaries in UP were linked to schemes in their vicinity. Modi’s vehicle of guarantee has reached every village and city, ensuring widespread coverage. Saturation, wherein the government extends 100 percent benefits to beneficiaries, embodies true social justice and secularism. Remember the major reasons for corruption and discrimination? During the regime of past governments, individuals had to endure long queues and bureaucratic red tape to access benefits. Our government now delivers services directly to the doorsteps of the underprivileged. It is Modi’s guarantee that our government will persist until every eligible beneficiary receives their entitlements, whether it be ration, healthcare, pucca houses, or essential utilities like electricity, water, and gas conncetions. Friends, Today, Modi is extending support to even those who were previously overlooked. No previous government considered aiding urban street vendors until our government introduced the PM SVANidhi Yojana. To date, Rs 10,000 crore in assistance has been provided to street vendors nationwide, benefitting 22 lakh street vendors in UP alone. The impact of the PM SVANidhi Yojana demonstrates that with support, the economically disadvantaged can thrive. A study of the PM SVANidhi Yojana revealed an average annual earnings increase of Rs 23,000 among beneficiaries, helping them with additional income. This additional income enhances the purchasing power of these vendors, with approximately 75 percent of beneficiaries belonging to marginalized communities, including Dalits, backward classes, and tribal brothers and sisters. Nearly half of the beneficiaries are women. Previously, these individuals had limited access to bank loans due to lack of collateral. Now, with Modi’s guarantee, they are receiving assistance from the banks. This represents a form of social justice envisioned by leaders like JP and Lohia. Friends, The decisions and initiatives of our double engine government contribute to both social justice and economic prosperity. Consider the Lakhpati Didi initiative. Over the past decade, we have facilitated the formation of self-help groups for 10 crore women across the country. Remarkably, one crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis. The government has now set a target to uplift three crore women to Lakhpati status. With approximately 2.5 lakh gram panchayats nationwide, envision the substantial increase in purchasing power for each of three crore women who become Lakhpati Didis. This initiative is positively impacting the lives of women and the rural economy. Brothers & Sisters, When we talk about developed Uttar Pradesh, we must acknowledge another driving force behind it: the strength of its MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). Since the inception of the double engine government, there has been an unprecedented expansion of MSMEs in UP. Significant financial assistance has been provided to MSMEs, with thousands of crores of rupees allocated for this purpose. The development of the defence corridor and new economic corridors will also greatly benefit MSMEs. Friends, Almost every district in UP has a rich tradition of cottage industries. From lock-making to brass work, carpet weaving to bangle production, clay art to chikankari embroidery, these traditions are being reinforced through the ‘One District, One Product’ scheme. You can witness the promotion of this scheme even at railway stations across the state. Additionally, we have introduced the PM Vishwakarma scheme worth Rs 13 thousand crores, aimed at modernizing traditional handicrafts and providing financial support to Vishwakarma families involved in such crafts.  It will help them in getting affordable loans without any collateral from banks to expand their business. Brothers & Sisters, Our efforts extend to the toy manufacturing sector as well. As the MP of Kashi, I actively promote the wooden toys manufactured there. Friends, Not long ago, Bharat heavily relied on toy imports, despite having a rich tradition of toy-making. Our artisans possessed generations of skill, yet lacked support and modernization. Consequently, foreign toys dominated Indian markets and homes. Determined to change this, we have supported toy makers nationwide, resulting in significant reductions in imports and substantial increases in toy exports. Friends, Uttar Pradesh has the potential to become Bharat’s premier tourism destination. Today every person in the country wants to visit Varanasi and Ayodhya.  Varanasi and Ayodhya attract countless visitors daily, creating unprecedented opportunities for small entrepreneurs, airlines, and hospitality businesses in UP. I urge all tourists and travellers to allocate 10% of their travel budgets to purchasing local products. This shouldn’t be too difficult for you as you already allocate a budget for the trip. Supporting local economies in this way can significantly boost their growth. Additionally, I have seen this trend growing nowadays – the rich get their children married in foreign countries. Can’t your children marry in such a vast nation like Bharat? Just consider the number of people that will get employment due to that. I advocate for weddings to be held in Bharat rather than abroad. Since I initiated the “Wed in India” campaign, I’ve been receiving letters from individuals. They express sentiments like, “Sir, we had already made arrangements and were preparing to marry abroad, but upon hearing your initiative, we’ve decided to cancel those plans and organize our wedding in India.” It’s a misconception that serving the country is only achieved through sacrifices akin to Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom. Serving the nation can also be accomplished through dedicated work. Hence, I emphasize the importance of enhancing local, national, and international connectivity. Traveling within Uttar Pradesh has now become remarkably convenient. Recently, we inaugurated the world’s longest cruise service from Varanasi. The upcoming Kumbh Mela scheduled for 2025 will also significantly contribute to the state’s economy. In the near future, the tourism and hospitality sectors will witness a surge in job opportunities. Friends, Our goal is to harness our strengths, modernize them, and excel in emerging sectors. India is currently placing significant emphasis on electric mobility and green energy. We aspire to establish Bharat as a global leader in such technologies and manufacturing. Our aim is for every household in the country to become a solar power generator. Hence, we have initiated the PM Suryaghar-Free Electricity Scheme. Under this scheme, 300 units of electricity will be provided free of cost, and individuals can also sell excess electricity to the government. Initially targeting 1 crore families, approximately Rs 30,000 to Rs 80,000 will be directly deposited into each family’s bank account. Those aiming to generate 100 units of electricity monthly will receive Rs 30,000 in assistance, while those generating 300 units or more will receive around Rs 80,000. Additionally, banks will offer affordable and accessible loans. It is estimated that these families will not only receive free electricity but can also earn up to Rs 18,000 annually by selling surplus electricity. Moreover, this initiative will create numerous jobs in installation, supply chain, and maintenance sectors. It will facilitate uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply and free electricity up to a certain limit. Friends, In addition to solar power,  we are also working on mission mode regarding electric vehicles (EVs). Manufacturers of EVs are benefiting from the PLI scheme, and tax exemptions are provided for purchasing electric vehicles. Consequently, around 34.5 lakh electric vehicles have been sold in the past decade. We are rapidly deploying electric buses, indicating substantial opportunities in both solar and EV sectors in Uttar Pradesh. Friends, Recently, our government had the privilege of conferring the Bharat Ratna upon the champion of farmers, Chaudhary Charan Singh. Honouring Chaudhary Saheb, a son of Uttar Pradesh’s soil, is a tribute to crores of workers and farmers nationwide. Unfortunately, Congress and its allies fail to recognize this significance. As observed during the discussion on Chaudhary Charan Singh ji in Parliament, Congress members obstructed any mention of his name. Congress seemingly reserves the Bharat Ratna solely for members of its own family. This mindset is evident from their decades-long delay in awarding Bharat Ratna to Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Congress seems indifferent to the welfare of the poor, Dalits, backward classes, farmers, and labourers. Even during Chaudhary Charan Singh ji’s lifetime, Congress attempted to bargain with him politically. Despite relinquishing the PM’s post, Chaudhary Saheb remained steadfast in his principles, rejecting political bargaining.  He hated political bargaining. It is regrettable that political parties in Uttar Pradesh invoking his name failed to adhere to his ideals. The nation will forever remember Chaudhary Saheb’s contributions to small farmers. Drawing inspiration from him, we are committed to empowering farmers across the country. Friends, We are assisting and encouraging farmers to steer the country’s agriculture towards a new direction. This is the aim behind our focus on natural farming and millets. Presently, natural farming has commenced on a large scale along the banks of the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. This method of farming yields greater profits for farmers at a lower cost and contributes to the preservation of our sacred rivers like the Ganga by preventing pollution. Today, I would like to make a special plea to entrepreneurs engaged in food processing. You should adhere to the mantra of zero effect, zero defect. Strive towards the singular goal of having Made in India food products grace the dining tables of nations worldwide. Thanks to your endeavours, products such as black salt from Siddharth Nagar, and rice and black rice from Chandauli, are being exported in substantial quantities. A new trend is emerging, particularly regarding millets, or Shri Anna, making it an opportune time to invest in this superfood. We encourage you to guide farmers on enhancing the value of their produce, packaging techniques, and accessing global markets. The government is actively working towards transforming small-scale farmers into a formidable market force by empowering Farmers Produce Unions (FPOs) and Cooperative Societies. Providing them with technological expertise and ensuring the purchase of their goods will not only benefit farmers and the soil but also bolster your businesses. Uttar Pradesh has historically played a pivotal role in advancing Bharat’s rural and agriculture-based economy. Therefore, seize this opportunity to its fullest extent. I have unwavering confidence in the resilience of the people of Uttar Pradesh and the diligent efforts of the double-engine government. Today’s endeavours will lay the groundwork for the progress of Uttar Pradesh and the nation. Special congratulations to Yogi ji and the Uttar Pradesh government. Every Indian takes pride in hearing that Uttar Pradesh aspires to achieve a trillion-dollar economy. I urge all states to set aside political differences, emulate Uttar Pradesh, and strive towards building a trillion-dollar economy for your respective states. Let us all commence with ambitious dreams and resolutions. My industry friends, the time is ripe with boundless opportunities. Come on, we are ready. Let’s embark on this journey together. Friends, As lakhs of people across Uttar Pradesh are tuned in today, gathered in 400 locations, I want to assure them that perhaps you never anticipated Uttar Pradesh would realize its resolutions so swiftly. Let us forge ahead together. With this aspiration, hearty congratulations to all, thank you very much!