Lucknow, May 8 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday appealed to investors that world-class infrastructure and all basic facilities are available for investment in the crime-free state.
While addressing the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) conclave held here, the CM highlighted UP's remarkable progress in strengthening its economy and law and order over the past eight years.
"UP is now crime and mafia-free and the state police swiftly neutralises any threats," he said.
Calling on the association to chart out a comprehensive roadmap for setting up a Gems and Jewellery Park in the state, he said that today, UP offers a robust and secure business environment.
Assuring full government support to stakeholders in the gems and jewellery sector, Yogi expressed gratitude to IBJA for organising the conclave in Lucknow. He said that such events not only open new avenues for trade but also give momentum to the government's ongoing 'Aath Saal Bemisaal' campaign.
He highlighted the crucial role of the gems and jewellery industry in India’s economy and said that the sector contributes around seven percent to the national GDP and generates significant revenue through import duties and GST.
He said that beyond economic growth, the industry also plays a vital role in job creation and enhancing India’s global identity.
Reflecting on the transformation in UP's law and order situation, the CM recalled that just eight years ago, the state was plagued by unrest, riots and a general sense of insecurity, especially for traders and women, during festivals.
"But in 2017, the people placed their faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and gave the BJP a clear mandate. Today, UP is not only riot-free but also mafia-free. Festivals of all communities are now celebrated peacefully," he said.
He said that this positive change in law and order has created a conducive atmosphere for business and investment. "UP now offers world-class infrastructure and all necessary amenities, making it a land of immense opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors," he said.
Yogi emphasised the urgent need to establish a dedicated Gems and Jewellery Park in UP, calling it vital for the state's economic growth. He urged the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) to develop a comprehensive model incorporating design, technology, processing, packaging, supply chain management and export.
Highlighting UP's demographic advantage, he said that the state, with a population of 25 crore, serves a broader region catering to the needs of nearly 30 crore people in terms of trade, employment, healthcare and education.
He stressed the importance of adopting a modern, forward-looking approach to fully leverage this vast market.
The CM assured traders of the government's steadfast support through enhanced security measures and open dialogue. He outlined significant strides taken under the 'Safe City' initiative, including reducing police response time from 25–30 minutes to just 7–8 minutes.
He said, "While UP had only one cyber police station in 2017, today, every district is equipped with cyber police stations and help desks. Besides, forensic labs and dedicated police units have also been established across all districts, along with a state-level forensic institute set up last year."
Yogi encouraged businesses to use modern surveillance tools. He said the shift from traditional CCTV systems with DVRs to advanced cloud-based cameras, which have greatly enhanced crime detection and resolution.
"Today, UP Police can neutralise any criminal threat within minutes," he said.
Sharing data on the state's economic transformation, he revealed that UP's economy has grown from Rs 12.75 lakh crore in 2017 to Rs 30 lakh crore today, a 150 percent increase in just eight years.
"Per capita income has more than doubled from Rs 46,000 to Rs 1.10 lakh. UP, once considered a 'BIMARU' state, has risen from being the country's seventh-largest economy to the second-largest, now recognised as a powerful engine of national growth," he said.
The CM called on IBJA and business leaders to seize this unprecedented opportunity and scale new heights. He expressed confidence that the gems and jewellery sector would significantly contribute to economic development, employment generation and enhancing India’s global reputation.
He said, "The state government stands firmly with you. Together, we will chart a new course for UP."
UNI AB SS