Expressing regret that Uttar Pradesh was lagging behind other states in terms of development, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said his government was making all efforts to bring the state on the path of progress.
Unfurling the national flag at the state Assembly here on Independence Day, Yadav said his government had taken various steps for ensuring welfare of the common people, especially the poor.
He said efforts were on to improve the infrastructure in the state and remove impediments faced by entrepreneurs to facilitate them to invest in and set up their businesses in the state.
Yadav paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Ram Manohar Lohia, Bhimrao Ambedkar and Jai Prakash Narain.
He also paid homage to those who lost their lives in the recent natural calamity in Uttarakhand and expressed hope that the state would soon come out of it.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured over 20 officials for successfully organising Kumbha mela in Allahabad earlier this year.
Former chief minister Narain Dutt Tewari, ministers and senior officials took part in the function.
Independence day celebrations were also held at Raj Bhawan where Governor B L Joshi unfurled the national flag.
Similar functions were also held at the offices of Samajwadi Party, Congress, BJP and at several government and private offices.
