Varanasi: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that before he came to power in 2017, the state was notorious for anarchy and mafia rule, and its artisans were handicapped by policy paralysis.Stating that artisans are now getting platforms to showcase their skills and pursue opportunities in their own state, Yogi said exports worth Rs 6,100 crore are taking place only from Sant Ravidas Nagar and the silk cluster. Sant Ravidas Nagar, Mirzapur and the silk cluster of Varanasi account for 60 per cent of the country’s total carpet exports.He said Sant Ravidas Nagar alone has 2,500 MSME units, with an annual turnover of Rs 10,000 crore. This industry has provided direct employment to more than 5 lakh people.Addressing exporters, sellers and leading entrepreneurs from the carpet industry at the golden jubilee edition of the India Carpet Expo, “Uttar Pradesh, despite its unlimited potential, had been reduced to a “BIMARU state” due to the negative approach of previous govts, forcing artisans and craftspeople to migrate in search of livelihood and employment.““In the same state where, before 2017, riots, curfews and lawlessness had created an adverse business environment, artisans struggled to find work, and domestic as well as foreign buyers stayed away, the situation has changed completely today,” he added.Attacking the previous govts, he said no mafia can now threaten anyone by brandishing a pistol from an open jeep, nor can anyone undermine the security of daughters and traders, he said adding, now industries are getting required support like the carpet industry received technology, design and markets, along with better connectivity and security.CM Yogi, who visited the stalls and viewed the products of artisans and craftspeople before addressing the inaugural function, said that Bhadohi carpets are establishing their identity in the global market.He said the govt included Bhadohi carpets under the One District-One Product (ODOP) scheme and connected artisans with technology, design and markets.Keeping around 250 exhibitors and more than 450 foreign buyers from 65 countries, including 106 from Brics countries participating in this expo, he said that 90% of the carpets manufactured in the district are exported to various countries, including the US, Germany, Australia, Canada and the UK. Bhadohi’s handmade carpets have also received a GI tag. The Indian Institute of Carpet Technology has been established in Bhadohi to provide technical education and training in designing and dyeing in the carpet and textile sector.Regarding infrastructural support CM Yogi highlighted, “The carpet industry is directly benefiting from improved connectivity. Once the Ganga Expressway is extended as the Vindhya Expressway, Noida International Airport will be reachable from Sant Ravidas Nagar in six hours. With cargo facilities there, Bhadohi carpets will be able to reach global markets easily. In addition, an inland waterway is available between Varanasi and Haldia, and cargo facilities are also available at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi.”The result of strong law and order is that the state has received investment proposals worth Rs 50 lakh crore, he said mentioning, “Groundbreaking ceremonies have been held for projects worth Rs 15 lakh crore, and industries worth Rs 7.5 lakh crore are set to become operational very soon. The state has 96 lakh MSME units, and each unit is being provided security insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh.”Yogi said, “Before 2017, there were around 14,000 factories in the state, and their number has now increased to more than 35,000. Uttar Pradesh manufactures 55 per cent of the country’s mobile phones and 60 per cent of its electronic components.”He added, saying, “Uttar Pradesh accounts for 60 per cent of the country’s expressway network. Work is underway on 6 nodes of the Defense Industrial Corridor, and 12 private industrial parks are being developed in the state. Through arrangements such as Nivesh Mitra, Nivesh Sarathi and Udyami Mitra, every possible facility is being provided to investors.”Yogi said carpets made by the skilled hands of Bhadohi are now enhancing the beauty of major establishments across the world. The carpet laid in the country’s new Parliament building was also made in Sant Ravidas Nagar. The district has a GI tag, the ODOP platform, the Carpet Expo Mart and a strong export system. A PM MITRA Textile Park is being developed across 1,000 acres between Lucknow and Hardoi.“Preparations are also underway to establish Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Employment and Skilling Zones in every district of the state. Skilled manpower will be trained here according to the requirements of industries,” he said.More than 6 lakh visitors attended the UP International Trade Show, held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from Sept 25 to 29. More than 1.5 lakh B2B meetings were held. More than 2,400 exhibitors and over 650 foreign buyers participated, highlighted CM Yogi.Expo key features# Over 450 buyers from 65 countries and around 250 exhibitors participated in the expo# Among them 106 buyers are from BRICS countriesCM Yogi highlights# UP received investment proposals worth Rs 50 lakh crore, number of factories rises from 14,000 to more than 35,000 in 10 years# With the expansion of the Ganga Expressway, Bhadohi carpets will reach Noida International Airport in six hours
