Uttar Pradesh

• 10 Jan 2024

Uttar Pradesh Among Top Three States for MSMEs

Why in News?

According to a report by realty consulting firm CBRE South Asia and real estate developers association CREDAI, Uttar Pradesh has emerged among the top three states as a significant contributor to the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, with a 9% share in total registered MSMEs in the country.

• Sector-wise, the report highlighted that the construction sector, contributing approximately 8% to the GDP, is a strategic opportunity for Indian MSMEs.

Key Points

• According to the official data from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, 2.21 crore MSMEs are registered (excluding registrations via the Udyam Assist Portal) under the ministry.
  • Several cities in Uttar Pradesh have emerged as MSME clusters, with Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Meerut and Ghaziabad leading in enrolling for the Udyam scheme.
• Out of which 38.09 lakh with a 17.2% share were from Maharashtra followed by 22.32 lakh with a 10% share from Tamil Nadu and 20.95 lakh with a 9.4% share from Uttar Pradesh.
  • Rajasthan with 16 lakh and Gujarat with 15.96 lakh MSMEs were the other top destinations for registered units in the country.
• Collaborative efforts between the government, industry stakeholders, and financial institutions can help create a robust support system, ensuring that the MSMEs receive the necessary resources and guidance to navigate the evolving economic landscape.

Udyam Portal

• It is an online system for registering MSMEs, launched by the Union MSME ministry on 1st July, 2020.
• It is linked to the databases of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN). 
  • GSTN is a unique and intricate IT enterprise that establishes a channel of communication and interaction between taxpayers, the central and various state governments, and other stakeholders.
• It is fully online, does not require any documentation, and is a step towards Ease of Doing Business for MSMEs.

Swachh Survekshan 2023

Why in News?

Prayagraj and Varanasi will get the prestigious President’s Award in the Swachh Survekshan 2023 – the cleanliness survey awards in New Delhi.

Key Points

• Eight cities, including Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Jhansi, and Firozabad, have earned a 3-star rating while Noida has earned a five-star rating.
• About 648 cities of the state have achieved the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. 65 cities secured the ‘Garbage Free City’ status.
• Swachh Survekshan’s 2023 results reveal that 129 cities in Uttar Pradesh have achieved ODF++ status, reflecting adherence to open defecation-free standards and sustainable waste management practices.
• 435 cities in the state have attained ODF+ status, showcasing the commitment of the government towards cleanliness in the state.
• Many cities in Uttar Pradesh are now moving towards a 7-star rating.
  • Continuous efforts are being made by the government to elevate more cities to achieve 5-star and 3-star ratings.

Swachh Survekshan 2023

• Swachh Survekshan was introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2016 as a competitive framework to encourage cities to improve the status of urban sanitation while encouraging large scale citizen participation.
• Over the years, Swachh Survekshan has emerged as the largest Urban sanitation survey in the world.

Pharma Park in Uttar Pradesh

Why in News?

According to the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), the Uttar Pradesh government is setting up a pharma park in Lalitpur, Bundelkhand, covering 1,472-acre across five villages.

• The establishment of the Pharma park and the acceleration of associated projects mark a strategic move by the Uttar Pradesh government towards fostering industrial growth and economic development.

Key Points

• The plan will unfold in two phases, with an initial focus on immediate development efforts covering 300 acres of land.
  • The villages identified for the survey include Saidpur, Gadolikala, Largan, Karounda, and Rampur.
• Surveying techniques include oil testing, contour mapping and topographical investigation.
  • The utilisation of modern surveying techniques underscores a commitment to precision and efficiency in the planning and execution of these initiatives.
• UPSIDA is also taking steps to expedite development projects at site-1 and site-2 in Orai, along with the Plastic City project in Dibiyapur.
  • The plastic park, spread across 274.4 acres, encompasses industrial units, residential areas, and basic infrastructure.