Ayodhya (UP), Mar 21 (Reporter) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA) will play a crucial role in making the division self-reliant, forming a strong foundation for a self-reliant Uttar Pradesh and India. The CM distributed loans worth Rs 47 crore to 1,148 young entrepreneurs from the Ayodhya division under MYUVA at a grand event held at Shri Ram Katha Park. Addressing young entrepreneurs from the Ayodhya division, he said, "MYUVA will serve as a strong support for your economic self-reliance. This is an interest-free loan. If you repay the principal amount on time, the government will cover the interest." He also inaugurated and inspected an exhibition showcasing startups by young entrepreneurs. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses with patience and dedication. Yogi said this initiative was announced in the February 2024 budget and officially launched on January 24, with the introduction of an online portal. "The initial goal was to enroll 1 lakh youth within two months, but the response has been overwhelming, with over 3 lakh registrations so far. Of these, 1,27,000 applications have been screened and sent to banks and 32,000 applicants have already received loan approvals," he said. He said that in order to further expand the scheme, the government will organise special fairs across all districts on March 25, 26, and 27, where more young entrepreneurs will get the opportunity to benefit from the initiative. Praising the creativity of youth during a startup exhibition, the CM said, "Some are making chips, some are producing jaggery-based products and others are sewing garments for deities. If you have the will to work, there is no shortage of opportunities in the state." Discussing Ayodhya’s rapid transformation, he said that in 2016-17, the city received 2.34 to 2.50 lakh pilgrims annually, but in 2024, the number soared to over 16 crore. "Currently, 2.5 lakh devotees visit Ayodhya daily," he said. He also highlighted the record-breaking participation in the Mahakumbh, where over 66 crore pilgrims took part, filling sacred sites like Vindhyavasini Dham, Kashi, Gorakhpur, Chitrakoot and Naimisharanya with devotees. Yogi highlighted how these religious gatherings have created new economic opportunities, linking faith with livelihoods. He said that thousands of youth have found employment through home stays, e-rickshaws, taxis, boats, grocery stores, tea stalls, hotels, restaurants and even selling traditional herbal toothbrushes (datun). He said, "Faith and culture can become 'festivals of employment'. Culture can be the foundation of prosperity. Prime Minister Modi's vision has now become a reality on the ground." The CM said that the government's schemes are transparent, ensuring that young entrepreneurs receive benefits without any obstacles. Urging the youth to understand the details of the scheme and work with dedication, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing interest-free loans and other facilities seamlessly. Quoting PM Narendra Modi, he said, "India’s youth are no longer just job seekers, they are becoming job providers." Encouraging young entrepreneurs to set up their own ventures, he said that self-reliance will not only empower them but also create employment opportunities for others. Highlighting the government's efforts towards women empowerment, Yogi said that before 2017, there were only 10,000 women in the UP Police. "However, in the recent recruitment of 60,200 police personnel, over 12,000 women were included. So far, 1,56,000 police recruitments have been conducted, with over 25,000 women securing jobs," he said. He praised the increasing participation of women in various fields, stating that there is no shortage of opportunities, what's needed is the right direction and training. He also encouraged the youth to pursue skill development and move forward with confidence in their respective fields. Highlighting the remarkable transformation of UP, the CM said that youth who once hid their identities are now proudly setting up their own businesses. He recalled a time when industries struggled to take root in the state, but today, new enterprises are flourishing and young entrepreneurs are stepping forward with confidence. Expressing pride in UP's economic progress, the CM said that over the past eight years, the state's economy has grown from Rs 12.75 lakh crore to Rs 27.51 lakh crore, more than doubling in size. "Besides, per capita income has risen from Rs 45,000 to nearly Rs 1 lakh," he said. He said that every sector has witnessed unprecedented development. "Earlier, the state was known for 'upadrav' (unrest); today, it is known for ‘utsav’ (celebrations)." He also highlighted insurance benefits for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including Rs 5 lakh in security insurance and Rs 10 lakh coverage for businesses with GST registration. He said that thousands of devotees from across the country now line up daily for darshan in Ayodhya. He stressed that ensuring their safety, comfort, and hospitality is a priority but also recognised that this influx of visitors is creating new livelihood opportunities for locals. Updating on Ram Temple construction, Yogi said that work is progressing at a war footing, while the city's infrastructure is undergoing a massive upgrade. "Narrow lanes have been expanded into four- and six-lane roads and the Sarayu River now flows smoothly from one side to the other, enhancing the experience for pilgrims taking a holy dip," he said. He said that Ayodhya has become India's first solar city, where streetlights are powered by solar panels. "This is the new Ayodhya, a reflection of New India and New UP. Once a city struggling with power shortages, today, Ayodhya generates its own electricity," he said...////...