Kumar Bahukhandi
Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday July 30, 2025 accused the previous Samajwadi Party government of failing to understand the importance of Uttar Pradesh’s extensive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
“There were large-scale MSME units here with clusters already present in every district and around every town, but the previous government couldn’t grasp its significance,” he said.
Escalating his attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP), the chief minister asked how those whose “thinking was limited only to their families” and who “based their grab for power on dividing the society” could possibly think about future of the state’s youth, whose prospects were tied to these very schemes.
Adityanath, who was speaking after inaugurating the CM YUVA Conclave here, alleged that the previous government was part of a conspiracy to shut down the state’s MSME industry.
“The hooliganism, corruption and dishonesty of the previous government had forced people to migrate,” he asserted.
The chief minister said that large-scale enterprises were shutting down and the “distressed” artisans were searching for other work.
Highlighting his government’s initiative, Adityanath said, “We then formed a committee and launched a scheme called the One District One Product (ODOP) after coming to power in 2017. The One District One Product scheme has today become a brand across the country.”
The chief minister, according to a press statement, informed that over 68,000 youths have so far received interest-free and collateral-free loans amounting to Rs 2,751 crore under the scheme.
“CM YUVA Yojana is not just a financial aid program, but a robust platform providing mentorship, market access and essential resources to empower young entrepreneurs,” he said.
Adityanath directed officials to ensure at least 50 youths from each district visit the exhibition so that they can gain firsthand knowledge about various government schemes, startup resources and market opportunities.
The chief minister on this occasion also inaugurated an exhibition featuring franchise brands, business on wheels and innovative enterprises.
He launched ‘UP Mart’, a portal for machinery suppliers, aimed at easing access to essential tools and equipment for startups.
In addition, 17 MoUs were signed in Adityanath’s presence to boost entrepreneurship in Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the vice chancellors and youths at the CM YUVA Conclave, the chief minister expressed concern over the growing disconnect between academic institutions and society.
“Our institutions are becoming isolated islands, increasingly cut off from people and government schemes. This disconnect is dangerous,” he said.
Adityanath pointed out that several youngsters due to lack of information fall prey to fraudulent schemes, get burdened by debt and are often left with no choice but to migrate in search of opportunities.
“But now, this cycle will end,” he asserted.
The chief minister further said the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana, launched in 2019, is offering training, toolkits and dignity to traditional artisans.
“A society that doesn’t respect its artisans has no future,” he underlined.
The youngsters, who have benefitted from the CM YUVA scheme, were present at the conclave, sources said.
As part of this scheme, the youngsters are given small loans by the government to start their business.
The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Additional Chief Secretary Alok Kumar besides other dignitaries.
( Source -PTI )
