Page 13 - Uttar Pradesh Government

Kumbh was chaos before 2017, it will boost economy this time: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said while past governments made the Maha Kumbh "synonymous with dirt and chaos", this year's festival would bring Rs 2 lakh crore to the economy. There will be a confluence of faith and modernity in the Maha Kumbh, Adityanath said addressing the media after inaugurating the Digital Media Centre at Mahakumbh Nagar in Prayagraj. Asserting that the Maha Kumbh was not given due respect before 2019, he said, "Those people had made Kumbh synonymous with dirt, chaos and stampede. This should be a lesson for them. This time, Kumbh is going to be the world's largest spiritual event..." Maha Kumbh 2025 will be more divine and grand than all the Kumbh Melas so far, with more than 40 crore devotees set to visit this time, said the chief minister who arrived in Maha Kumbh Nagar on Thursday for a two-day visit. "Maha Kumbh will strengthen the economy of Prayagraj as well as the whole country. The Prayagraj Kumbh alone is estimated to brin

Uttar Pradesh govt plans e-commerce booster shot for the MSME sector

This strategic move is expected to benefit over 50,000 industrial and manufacturing units of these clusters, administered by the UP State Industrial Development Authority

Govt ready for any kind of situation: UP Deputy CM Pathak over HMPV

Concerning the virus, we are moving forward with complete alertness, we also have a high-level meeting today, Pathak said

UP govt's new export policy to provide additional benefits to exporters

The proposed policy would introduce several incentives for exporters, especially in the food processing, handicrafts, and One District One Product sectors

UP launches initiative to curb stubble burning, promote sustainable farming

Uttar Pradesh government has launched a unique initiative, "Parali Ke Badle Govansh Khaad" (cow manure in exchange for stubble) aimed at curbing stubble burning and promoting sustainable farming practices, officials said on Saturday. The initiative, launched on October 28, 2024, seeks to address environmental pollution caused by stubble burning while benefiting farmers through the distribution of cow manure for organic farming, a statement said. Under the campaign 2,90,208.16 quintals of straw were collected across the state and 1,55, 280.25 quintals of cow manure were distributed to farmers. The manure is being used to enhance soil fertility and encourage sustainable agricultural practices, it said. Several districts including Varanasi, Banda, Budaun, Jalaun, Bareilly, Amethi, Siddharthnagar, and Bahraich performed notably well during the campaign with large-scale collection of straw and distribution of manure, the statement added. The campaign not only reduces environmental hazar

Kasganj violence case: 28 convicted, family vows to seek harsher punishment

A special NIA court here sentenced 28 convicts to life imprisonment on Friday in connection with the Kasganj violence case. Special judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi also imposed a fine of Rs 80,000 on each convict. On Thursday, the special NIA court here on Thursday convicted 28 people in connection with the murder of Chandan Gupta, who was shot dead in a communal clash that broke out during a 2018 Tiranga Yatra in Kasganj. The accused were convicted on charges of murder, attempted murder, rioting and insulting the national flag. The case drew significant attention after Chandan Gupta's death sparked riots in the region. The court on Friday sentenced the convicts to life imprisonment. Earlier, on the quantum of sentence, the court heard the pleas of the defence as well as the prosecution, which had demanded the severest punishment for all the convicts. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court acquitted Nasiruddin and Asim Qureshi, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to conv

Force Motors bags order for supply of 2,429 ambulances to UP Health Dept

Force Motors Ltd on Thursday said it has bagged an order for the supply of 2,429 units of ambulances to the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department, Uttar Pradesh. In a regulatory filing, the company said the order is for supply of 2,429 units of BS-VI diesel ambulance to the department. The order is to be executed between December 2024 and March 2025, it said without disclosing the value of the order. The company in a statement later said that the UP-Government Health Department's decision to procure 2429 ambulances from Force Motors underscores the state's commitment to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure. These vehicles will play a pivotal role in enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring timely medical assistance for millions of residents across urban and rural areas, the company said. These vehicles are available in multiple configurations, including patient transport, basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS), and mobile medical unit (MMU

UP Cong chief writes to CM, demands action against open sale of intoxicants

The Congress' Uttar Pradesh president Ajay Rai wrote to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, drawing his attention to the "open sale of intoxicants" and demanding strict action so that future generations can be saved from addiction. Rai said incidents of open sale and use of drugs and other intoxicants had been seen in the state's urban and remote rural areas in the past few years. Calling it "very shameful for any civilised society", he said such incidents pointed towards an administrative failure. "The youth and poor section of the state are becoming its biggest victims." The youth, who have to be part of the state's development, are ruining their and the state's future by falling into the grip of drugs, Rai said in the letter. "The poor section, which is somehow feeding their family in this period of inflation by working as labourers and toiling all day, is also ruining their family by falling into the grip of drug abuse," he added. The situation is such that the common pe

Ramdev signs MoU with 3 FPOs to buy turmeric grown in UP's Bahraich

Under Uttar Pradesh's One District-One Product' scheme, Yoga guru Ramdev has decided to buy turmeric grown in the Bahraich district. Ramdev has signed an agreement with three Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) of the district at Patanjali Yogpeeth on Saturday. A senior official on Monday said that under the agreement, Ramdev will buy 50,000 tonnes of turmeric from Bahraich every year. "Bahraich district was selected for products made from turmeric in the One District-One Product' (ODOP) scheme, Bahraich District Magistrate Monica Rani on Monday told PTI. The DM said that it is the result of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's efforts for the farmers that the Yoga guru has come forward to buy turmeric from Bahraich. The area of Mihipurwa tehsil connected to Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in the district is an ideal place for agriculture as it is rich in natural resources, has fertile land and favorable climate, she said. Turmeric, jimikand (Elephant Foot Yam) and green vegetables

160K tents, 150K toilets: UP administration readies for grand Maha Kumbh

As 2024 draws to a close, the entire state machinery in Uttar Pradesh has converged upon Sangam, the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati river in Prayagraj, racing against time to finalise the preparations for the Maha Kumbh beginning January 13. For the past two months, an army of workers has been diligently channeling the rivers, widening roads, and leveling the ghats to transform the region in anticipation of one of the largest religious events in the world. Speaking during his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' programme on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mega event it as the "Maha Kumbh of unity", as he urged people to return from the grand congregation with the resolve to banish hate and division from the society. "Maha Kumbh ka sandesh, ek ho pura desh (Message from Maha Kumbh -- entire country should unite), the prime minister said, adding that Maha Kumbh's speciality lies not just in its vastness, but also in its diversity. Held every 12 .

Robust 7-tier security arrangement established for Maha Kumbh: UP govt

A seven-tier security circle has been established to ensure the safety of more than 40 crore people expected to visit Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government has said. The local authorities have set up temporary police stations and checkpoints in both urban and rural areas, as well as near railway stations, bus terminals, airports, and other key routes. The security will be further bolstered by the deployment of the Provincial Armed Constabulary, National Disaster Response Force, Central Armed Police Forces, BDD, and AS Check teams. Units will be kept in reserve for the city and rural areas, the UP government said in a statement on Sunday. Prayagraj Police Commissioner Tarun Gaba said 13 temporary police stations and 23 checkpoints are being established for a reinforced security, which will take the number of stations up from 44 to 57. Around 10,000 police personnel will be stationed across urban and rural areas of Prayagraj. The Prayagraj Police Commissionerat

UP CM invites Prez Murmu, VP Dhankhar, other dignitaries for Mahakumbh 2025

Ahead of the Maha Kumbh, CM Yogi and his ministers are visiting different states and inviting dignitaries and common people for the Maha Kumbh

Since excavation is underway, I believe CM house has Shivling too: SP chief

Akhilesh spoke on several pressing issues in Uttar Pradesh, including the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), preparations for the Kumbh Mela, and concerns about the state of farmers

UP govt to deploy underwater drones, multilingual signages at Maha Kumbh

In a first, "underwater drones" capable of diving up to 100 meters will be deployed during the upcoming Maha Kumbh to provide round-the-clock surveillance at Sangam area in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, the Culture Ministry said on Sunday. Besides, renovation of 92 roads and construction of 30 pontoon bridges and installation of 800 multilingual signages are being undertaken there to facilitate the pilgrims and other visitors showcasing India's culture and diversity. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Uttar Pradesh government is making "extensive preparations to ensure that Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is a grand, safe and spiritually enriching event", the ministry said. Expected to host over 40 crore devotees from across the globe, this 45-day festival from January 13 to February 26 will showcase India's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. The Culture Ministry shared details on the preparations underway and the civic amenities and security arrangements t

UP CM Adityanath orders strict monitoring of police's infra projects

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stressed the importance of maintaining quality and adhering to deadlines in the construction of police lines, transit hostels, and training institutions under the home department. Chairing a meeting at his official residence on Thursday, the chief minister directed that these projects be reviewed regularly at various administrative levels to ensure progress, according to an official statement. Adityanath emphasised that a secretary-level official from the home department should conduct weekly reviews, while the additional chief secretary should conduct fortnightly reviews. He added that monitoring responsibilities should also extend to district, range, and zonal police officers. Highlighting accountability, the chief minister ordered a monthly third-party audit by technical institutes for all projects exceeding Rs 50 crore. This audit should include on-site verification and photographic evidence submitted alongside the report, the ..

Law and order has improved in UP but not 100% safe for women yet: Guv Patel

The Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Thursday said that the law and order situation has improved in the state but there was still time before it could be termed as "100 per cent safe for women". She said that she hoped a day would come when women would debate in the Parliament while their husbands would wait for them at home after preparing a meal. "We must check within our families if we are ready to give rights to women. In Panchayats, despite women becoming gram pradhans, the decisions are still being made by the men in their families," the governor said. "During functions, I always ensure that women pradhans sit on their designated seats. There are many women pradhans who are aware and are taking decisions independently, the Governor said during an interaction with reporters at the Lucknow Raj Bhavan on Thursday. The Governor's remarks came in response to a query if the society and political parties were willing to change their approach towards women especially after t

Akhada Parishad condemns Pannu's Maha Kumbh threat as divisive tactic

The Akhada Parishad hit out at Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu for trying to instigate division between communities after he allegedly issued a threat to target the Maha Kumbh in a video. Following the death of three Khalistani Zindabad Force militants in an encounter with the UP and Punjab police in Pilibhit on Monday, a video threatening to disrupt the key bathing dates of the Magh Mela on -- January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami) -- surfaced on social media, with the voice in the video being attributed to Khalistan supporter Pannu. Pannu is the chief of banned outfit Sikhs For Justice and has been designated a terrorist by the Indian government. Addressing the media in Mahakumbh Nagar, Mahant Ravindra Puri, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, said, "If this person named Pannu dares to enter our Maha Kumbh, he will be beaten and driven out. We have seen hundreds of such lunatics." "This is the Ma

UP govt makes special arrangements for dignitaries visiting Maha Kumbh 2025

As Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is set to witness a massive influx of pilgrims, tourists, VIP and VVIP dignitaries from across the globe, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has made extensive preparations, including accommodation and protocol arrangements, to ensure a seamless experience, officials said here on Wednesday. The grand event will span 45 days, from Paush Purnima on January 13 to Mahashivratri on February 26. It will feature special measures for dignitaries. A 247 control room has been established, with dedicated officers and personnel. For protocol management, the government has deployed three additional district magistrates (ADMs), as many sub-district magistrates (SDMs) and naib tehsildars, and four revenue officials, they said. Deputy collector-level officers will serve as sector magistrates across 25 sectors to oversee arrangements. These efforts aim to provide a smooth and enriching experience for all dignitaries attending this iconic event. To ensure seamless protocol ...

Akhilesh questions BJP govt's preparedness for Mahakumbh, offers help

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday questioned the Uttar Pradesh government's preparedness for the upcoming Mahakumbh and accused it of mismanagement. In a social media post, the opposition leader flagged several issues regarding security arrangements, local concerns and overall administration in Prayagraj, urging the government to take immediate corrective action. "This is the truth of preparations for 'Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025' under the BJP government! At least the work of the police department should have been completed long ago because the management of the security circle does not wait for the last day," he said on X. The former chief minister of the state also drew attention to the alleged delay in addressing the needs of local residents and the fair area, stating that people in Prayagraj were questioning the government's priorities. "The aggrieved people of Prayagraj are asking that the BJP government was very prompt in removing the statue of 'Mahadani' Empero

UP CM Adityanath accuses Congress of insulting Ambedkar since Nehru days

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress as he accused the party of repeatedly disrespecting 'the architect of India's Constitution' B R Ambedkar during his lifetime and undermining his legacy after his death. Adityanath also claimed that India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru was against Ambedkar's inclusion in the Drafting Committee of the Constitution. He made the remarks in a press conference at his official residence 5 Kalidas Marg, amid ongoing controversy triggered since Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha last week. Flanked by ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Asim Arun, Adityanath highlighted the press conference's purpose as an effort to expose what he described as the unethical and unconstitutional conduct of Congress and other opposition parties against Ambedkar. "Dr B R Ambedkar played a monumental role during India's freedom movement, the drafting of the Constitution and th