Uttar Pradesh

• 25 Jul 2022

Emphasis on Exports to make Uttar Pradesh a 1 Trillion Dollar Economy

Why In News?

• On July 24, 2022, an official spokesperson of the Uttar Pradesh government said that the emphasis is on increasing exports towards making the state a $1 trillion economy and work has been started by formulating an action plan under it.

Key Points

• The spokesperson said that exports have increased by 30 per cent to Rs 1.56 lakh crore from Rs 1.21 lakh crore last year. The government's target is to increase this figure to Rs 2 lakh crore in the next three years.
• He said that an effort has been made to identify which products have export potential, which are the major products in which district etc. 15 such sectors have been selected at the state level. Apart from the products which have been exported, those products have also been identified which can be made exportable with little more effort.
• District Export Scheme is being worked on in every district. Along with this, District Export Committees have also been constituted under the chairmanship of DM. There will be a meeting every month and the department will be apprised of the problems being faced by the exporters at the local level.
• Dr. Navneet Sehgal, Additional Chief Secretary, MSME Department said that exporters are being directly linked with foreign buyers. Apart from this, information about fairs and exhibitions organized abroad is also being collected. A plan has also been made to send the exporters of the state to the fairs and exhibitions held abroad.
• The MSME department deals with electronic equipment, machinery, vehicle and vehicle equipment, gems and jewellery, organic chemicals, iron and steel articles, apparel (including sarees), furniture, leather and leather products, sports goods, glass and glassware, perfumes, ceramics, carpets and handicrafts sector.
• The spokesman said that the project 'One District One Product (ODOP)' is going to play a major role in exports. ODOP will be branded by the government in embassies of other countries also. ODOP products will also be displayed at Embassies. The products will also be made available on e-commerce platforms to increase exports.
• It is worth noting that the Chief Minister has doubled the budget of 'Uttar Pradesh Export Infrastructure Development Scheme' this year to promote exports. An amount of Rs 7 crore has been allocated for this scheme. Similarly, this year the budget for giving subsidy under the 'Accelerated Export Development Promotion Scheme' has been increased more than double to Rs 25 crore.

31 Ancient Forts to be Developed as Tourist Centers in Bundelkhand

Why In News?

• On July 23, 2022, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the officials to prepare an action plan to develop 31 ancient forts located in the Bundelkhand region as new tourist centres.

Key Points

• The Chief Minister said that the entire region of Bundelkhand is endowed with historical and cultural heritage. The new generation needs to be made aware of its importance. Many forts in this area have huge complexes and these can be transformed into great hotels.
• Referring to Kalinjar Fort, the Chief Minister said that Kalinjar Fort is situated in a vast area of 542 hectares. He asked the officials to arrange light and sound shows, camping, trekking, rock-climbing and facade lighting with private participation.
• He directed the officials to revive the dilapidated forts and plan to take up water sports and adventure tourism activities for the lake located at Talbehat Fort and Barua Sagar Sarovar.
• He asked the officials to adopt a public-private partnership (PPP) funding model for restoration work. He said the corporate social responsibility (CSR) model can also be useful and the state government will also fund the project as per the need.