Speeded up devp, launched projects to better lives: Akhilesh

On a day Prime Minister Narendea Modi attacked the Uttar Pradesh government for being "unconcerned" towards the hardships of the people, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said his government has "speeded up" development works and launched several projects "to make life better".
Without mentioning the Modi's speech at Kushinagar, where he also criticised the SP government for "not implementing" Centre's farmer welfare schemes, Akhilesh said the Modi government has "failed" to fulfill its promises for Agra.
"Our government has speeded up development works and launched several projects that will help make people's life better," the CM said.
Speaking after inaugurating slew of developmental projects for the Taj city, he also attacked the Centre over demonetisation, saying the move has hit hard the farmers, the labourers and the shopkeepers.

"Overnight decision without adequate preparations had led to a series of problems for ordinary people," he said.
He also said, "Rs 2,000 note will only help people make more black money in less time. Corruption and black money will not stop but people will face lots of problems."

He suggested the decision to demonetise Rs 500 and 1,000 notes was taken with the UP Assembly elections in mind.
The state goes to polls next year.
The CM said his government distributed laptops and has now promised smart phones for which "already 1 crore people have registered".
Akhilesh said his government is concerned about environment protection and has taken up several steps in this regard, including establishing Lion Safari in Etawah, building 207-km long cycle track, planting a "record number of saplings in July"- five crores in just 12 hours- which was recorded in the Guinness Book of records.

The state government ensures progress and infrastructural growth do not come at the cost of the environment, he said after releasing a book 'The Green Path' which lists priorities and green initiatives taken by his government.