Uttar Pradesh

• 27 Nov 2024

Uttar Pradesh Focuses on Gems & Jewellery Growth

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government, is taking substantial steps to enhance the gems and jewellery sector, focusing on economic value addition and export growth.

Key Points

• Uttar Pradesh, with its rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship, is a significant player in India’s gems and jewellery sector.
  • The state’s annual trade in this industry is estimated at over Rs 1 trillion, involving more than one million traders, retailers, craftsmen, and designers.
• Major Hubs:
  • The hubs for gems and jewellery trade in Uttar Pradesh include Meerut, Lucknow, NOIDA Export Processing Zone, Moradabad, Kanpur, and Agra.
  • These centers are pivotal in both manufacturing and exports, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.
  • The organized segment of the trade accounts for about 35% of the overall market, highlighting the importance of structured growth and development.
• Government Initiatives & Significance:
  • The CM of Uttar Pradesh has drafted a comprehensive blueprint to develop Meerut as a major jewellery manufacturing and trading hub for North India.
  • Meerut’s jewellery industry, with an annual turnover of over Rs 2,000 crore, employs approximately 40,000 goldsmiths, gemstone makers, and jewellery traders.
  • The proposed hub, spanning 32,000 square meters, aims to position Meerut as a key center for gems, precious stones, and gold jewellery.
  • To support this vision, the government plans to construct a modern multi-storey flatted factory complex to foster business growth and encourage startups in the sector.
• National and Global Significance:
  • The gems and jewellery sector in Uttar Pradesh is not only vital for the state but also contributes 10-12% of India’s total merchandise exports.
  • In 2023, the domestic market for gems and jewellery was valued at USD 92 billion, underscoring its importance in the national economy.
  • Uttar Pradesh’s thriving wholesale jewellery market serves clients from other states, further solidifying its role as a key player in the industry.

UP Government Boosts Police & Forensic Capacity

Why in News?

On Constitution Day (26^th November), Chief Minister of UP highlighted the state’s commitment to transparent police recruitment and establishing forensic labs at the zonal level during the National Conference on Forensic Science and Cybersecurity.

• These initiatives are part of broader efforts to enhance law and order, ensuring timely justice for victims and maintaining good governance.

Key Points

• Highlights of the Conference:
  • New Criminal Laws:
    • India has recently implemented three new criminal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
    • These laws, effective from 1^st July 2024, aim to protect citizens by ensuring that no one is declared guilty without proper evidence.
  • Challenges and Reforms in Law and Order:
    • Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh faced significant challenges in maintaining law and order, with a high prevalence of hooliganism (vandalism/violence).
    • The Uttar Pradesh Government has observed that over half of the positions within the Uttar Pradesh Police were unfilled during previous government. Addressing this situation has become a key focus for the current government.
  • Transparent Recruitment and Forensic Labs:
    • The state government has recruited over 154,000 police personnel transparently and recently initiated the recruitment of an additional 7,200 policemen.
    • Earlier, forensic labs were limited to four locations. Now, high-quality forensic labs have been established at the zonal level, with plans to expand them to the range level.
    • These labs are crucial for gathering evidence in criminal cases and ensuring justice.
  • Cybersecurity and Forensic Science Initiatives:
    • Today, 1,775 police stations in Uttar Pradesh are equipped with cyber helplines, enhancing the state’s ability to tackle cybercrime.
    • Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Sciences has been established to further support forensic investigations and improve the quality of evidence presented in court.

Constitution Day

• The Constitution Day, also known as National Law Day or Samvidhan Diwas, is celebrated in India on 26^th November every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.
  • On 29^th August, 1947, the Constituent Assembly set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution for India.
  • On 26^th November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26^th January 1950.
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 19^th November, 2015, notified the decision of the Government of India to celebrate 26 November as 'Constitution Day'.
• The day is observed to spread the importance of the constitution and the thoughts and ideas of B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the constitution.