Lucknow, Feb 21 (Reporter) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that Uttar Pradesh is rapidly progressing toward becoming India's largest economy and will achieve the target of becoming a 1 trillion dollar economy by 2029. Replying to a question raised by Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Ragini Sonkar, the CM said that the state's economy has grown from Rs 12 lakh crore to a projected Rs 27.5 lakh crore by the end of the current fiscal 2024-25 while reaffirming the goal of achieving a 1 trillion dollar economy by 2029. Criticising the opposition, he said that those who refuse to acknowledge India's progress as a developed nation also question UP's economic growth. He said that India has emerged as a major global economy, which may not sit well with those driven by personal agendas. Yogi said, "However, the reality is that India now holds the fifth-largest economy globally and is poised to become a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2027." He said that to give impetus to economic growth his government has identified 10 key sectors, including industrial development, agriculture, social security, urban development, revenue collection, education, health, tourism, and the service sector. "Each sector undergoes a monthly review by the senior officers, ministers concerned with which I myself conduct a quarterly assessment," he said. The CM said that investment proposals of Rs 40 lakh crore were received during the Global Investors Summit 2023, out of which proposals of Rs 15 lakh crore have been brought on the ground. "Of this several industries have started production. This investment is expected to generate employment opportunities for 60 lakh youth," he said. He said that this is the same state whose Credit Deposit (CD) ratio was 44 percent, which has now exceeded 60 percent, indicating that the capital of Uttar Pradesh is being reinvested within the state. "The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report highlights UP as the leading state in banking transactions over the last five-year plan, with Jan Dhan accounts playing a crucial role," he said. Yogi said that people who once lacked bank accounts now have substantial savings, demonstrating increased purchasing power and financial security which has been made possible by Prime Minister Modi's visionary policies. He said, "UP now leads the country in MSME units, a sector that had previously suffered due to neglect by past governments. However, initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP) revitalised MSMEs. During the Covid pandemic, skill mapping of 40 lakh migrant workers linked them to the MSME sector, resulting in employment for over two crore people." He said, "Marking a significant boost for young entrepreneurs, the government launched the 'CM Yuva Udyam Yojana' on the UP's Foundation Day on January 24. Under this scheme, bank loans up to Rs five lakh are provided at zero interest in the first phase, with the second phase offering loans up to Rs 10 lakh. The scheme has received an overwhelming response, with over 96 lakh applications submitted so far." Highlighting the transformation in UP's agricultural sector, the CM said that before 2017, the condition of farmers was dire, but today, they are thriving. "Unlike in the past, where distress led to farmer suicides, they now receive one and a half times the price of their produce." He said that farmers earn Rs 2,300 per quintal for paddy, against production costs of Rs 1,100 per quintal. "Similarly, wheat farmers are receiving double their cost," he said. Addressing sugarcane farmers payments, Yogi said that payments are now made within a week, making UP the leading sugarcane-producing state in the country and a top player in ethanol production. He said, "The government has also introduced special schemes for pulses and oil seeds, boosting farmers' incomes. Funds are reaching farmers directly through direct benefit transfers (DBT) and procurement centres, ensuring financial stability and additional income. The government further supports farmers by providing free seeds for pulses and oil seeds, reinforcing its commitment to agricultural growth." Discussing women's empowerment, Yogi said that 20 percent of all UP Police recruitments have been reserved for women, creating employment opportunities across various sectors. Taking a swipe at the opposition, he said that those who doubt UP's ability to achieve a 1 trillion dollar economy in five years are driven by negativity, while the government remains steadfast in its vision. He accused the previous Samajwadi Party government of turning UP into a 'BIMARU' state and pushing it to the sixth or seventh position in India's economic rankings. "However, due to the double-engine government’s efforts in the last eight years, UP has now emerged as India's second-largest economy," he said. The CM expressed confidence that by 2029, UP will become the largest economy in the country, reaching the 1 trillion dollar milestone. He also highlighted UP's booming tourism sector, revealing that in 2023, the state welcomed 65 crore tourists. "With the Maha Kumbh, more than 60 crore devotees are expected to visit, reinforcing UP's global recognition," he said. He claimed that the Maha Kumbh alone will contribute Rs 3 lakh crore to the state's economy, further accelerating its growth...////...