Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 22: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a cabinet meeting at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Wednesday, where several major development proposals and schemes were approved for the state.
Following the meeting, CM Yogi announced the establishment of three new medical colleges in Hathras, Kasganj, and Baghpat. He also revealed plans to set up 62 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 5 centers for innovation, invention, and training across the state.
The cabinet also approved the renewal of the Uttar Pradesh Aerospace and Defence and Employment Policy. To attract further investment into the state, new incentives are expected to be introduced.
“With the Uttar Pradesh Aerospace and Defence and Employment Policy completing five years, it will be renewed, and new incentives will be introduced to attract more investment,” CM Yogi said.
Additionally, CM Yogi announced that municipal corporation bonds will be issued for Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Agra. These bonds will follow the success of similar bonds issued for Lucknow and Ghaziabad, with the aim of improving the branding and development of these cities.
The Chief Minister also outlined plans to establish a Prayagraj-Chitrakoot development region, similar to the State Capital Region (SCR) of Lucknow. “Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Modi, we will develop a region combining Prayagraj and Chitrakoot, with a focus on sustainable development,” he said. A similar development region will also be created in Varanasi, in collaboration with NITI Aayog.
Furthermore, CM Yogi emphasized the development of the Ganga Expressway, which will connect Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Kashi, Chandauli, and link to the Purvanchal Expressway in Ghazipur. He also mentioned that the Ganga Expressway will connect Sonbhadra to the National Highway.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized the timing and location of the cabinet meeting, stating, “The Kumbh or Prayagraj is not the place for political decisions. Holding a cabinet meeting at the Kumbh is a political move. Many of us went for a holy dip, but did not publicize it.”
The cabinet decisions aim to boost the state’s infrastructure, education, and investment sectors, marking a significant step in UP’s development agenda.