CM Mohan Yadav discussed investment, MSME, ODOP and religious tourism at the MP-UP cooperation conference in Varanasi. Many agreements were signed between the two states and new paths for joint development were decided.
Bhopal/Varanasi. Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Conference was organized in Varanasi on 31 March. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Uttar Pradesh ministers, senior officials of both the states and many prominent personalities participated in this conference. Important topics like small scale industries, religious tourism, employment and investment were discussed in detail in the conference. The officials also gave presentations of their respective departments and discussed possibilities of future cooperation.
MoU signed: Temple Trust and ODOP will get a boost
In this program, in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, an agreement (MoU) was signed on cooperation between Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust and Mahakaleshwar Temple Trust. Along with this, it was also decided to increase cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh under the ODOP (One District One Product) scheme. The Chief Minister said that there is immense potential for industrial development in Madhya Pradesh and exports worth more than Rs 70 thousand crore are being made from the state.
Appreciation of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and good governance model
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Kashi Vishwanath Dham is included among the major holy places of the world. Praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he said that a good model of good governance and development has been established in Uttar Pradesh. He also said that the country is fast moving towards becoming the third largest economy in the world.
Naxal free India and strengthening of democracy
The Chief Minister said that due to the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, great success has been achieved against Naxalism in the country. He said that Madhya Pradesh has now become Naxal free, which is a big achievement for democracy.
Religious Tourism: Special importance of Ujjain and Kashi
Dr. Yadav said that both Ujjain and Kashi are ancient and religiously important cities. The development of Mahakal Lok and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has given a boost to religious tourism in both the states. Referring to the historical places associated with Lord Shri Ram and Shri Krishna, he described the cultural relations between the two states as strong.
Joint efforts in Ken-Betwa project and solar energy
The Chief Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, work on the Ken-Betwa river linking project has started. With this, many districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will get the benefit of irrigation and drinking water. Apart from this, both the states are also working together on a 2000 MW solar project in Morena.
Arrangements being learned from Simhastha and Mahakumbh
The Chief Minister said that he has closely understood the arrangements of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. The arrangements for organizing the Prayagraj Mahakumbh have also been studied, so that the Simhastha to be held in Ujjain can be organized in a better way.
Big potential for investment and development in Madhya Pradesh
The Chief Minister said that the irrigation area in Madhya Pradesh has increased to 55 lakh hectares. The number of medical colleges in the state has reached 40. The government is giving 30 acres of land on lease for Re 1 to open the hospital. Farmers are also being given subsidy up to 50 percent in various schemes.
New identity for artisans through ODOP scheme
Uttar Pradesh Industries Minister Nand Gopal Gupta (Nandi) said that this conference is an example of the strong relations between the two states. He said that the ODOP scheme has given a new identity to local artisans and handicrafts. Till now, employment opportunities have been increased by giving loans of more than Rs 6000 crore to 1.63 lakh youth.
Uttar Pradesh growing rapidly in MSME and exports
Officials said Uttar Pradesh has more than 96 lakh MSME units, making it the largest MSME state in the country. The state’s exports have increased from Rs 88 thousand crore in 2017 to Rs 1.86 lakh crore in 2024, in which ODOP has a major contribution. Apart from this, projects like Jewar Airport and MSME Park are also driving growth.
Traditional products of MP-UP shine in the exhibition
A grand exhibition was organized during the conference, in which the products of craftsmen from both the states were displayed. This included bamboo crafts, metal crafts, textiles, jute and other handicrafts.
The stalls from Uttar Pradesh displayed products like Banarasi sarees, zari work, wooden crafts, glass garlands and pink meenakari. Banana fiber, millets, jute products, panja carpet, bamboo products, metal craft, Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees were displayed in the stalls of Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav visited the exhibition and also interacted with the craftsmen.