14 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceEconomyNEWS

Uttar Pradesh: A Model of Renaissance Under BJP Rule, Claims CM

Uttar Pradesh transforms into economic powerhouse under BJP, says Yogi Adityanath.

Uttar Pradesh, once burdened by economic distress and lawlessness, has emerged as India's economic powerhouse under the BJP regime, according to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Speaking in the Assembly, Adityanath highlighted the state's economic rise, infrastructure growth, improved law and order, and public welfare measures. He contrasted the pre-2017 situation, characterized by criminal patronage and instability, with the current environment of zero tolerance towards crime and criminals.

Adityanath emphasized the transformation from a fear zone to a faith zone, with festivals and temple economy replacing riots. He noted the increase in women in the police force and the rise in Uttar Pradesh's share of the country's GDP to nearly 9.5%. He criticized the opposition for appeasement politics and opposing the National Song.

Key Facts

Uttar Pradesh was considered a burden due to economic distress and lawlessness before 2017.

The state has emerged as India’s economic powerhouse under the BJP regime.

There is now zero tolerance towards crime and criminals.

More than 219,000 police personnel have been recruited, with 20% of these positions for women.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, Social Justice

GS Paper III: Economy, Infrastructure

How state-level policies impact national development

Potential for questions on economic growth models and governance reforms

In Simple Words

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh says the state is doing much better now than before. He claims that things like the economy, safety, and overall well-being have improved a lot under the current government. Basically, he's saying Uttar Pradesh is becoming a better place to live and work.

India Angle

This affects everyday Indians because a stronger Uttar Pradesh means more jobs and opportunities. If the state is safer, people can focus on their lives and businesses without worrying about crime.

For Instance

Think of it like your local market. If the market is well-managed and safe, more vendors will set up shop, and more customers will come. This benefits everyone involved.

It matters because a well-governed and economically strong state can provide better services and opportunities for its citizens, leading to a better quality of life.

Uttar Pradesh: From burdened to booming, a state on the rise.

Visual Insights

Key Economic Indicators of Uttar Pradesh

Highlights Uttar Pradesh's economic growth and contribution to India's GDP as claimed by the CM.

Uttar Pradesh's share of India's GDP: 9.5%

More Information

Background

The concept of a 'renaissance' often implies a period of significant cultural, economic, and social revival after a period of decline or stagnation. Historically, the European Renaissance in the 14th-16th centuries is a prime example, marked by a renewed interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy. This period saw advancements in science, technology, and exploration, fundamentally reshaping European society. Similarly, claims of a 'renaissance' in a specific region or state suggest a transformative period of growth and development across various sectors. In the Indian context, states often undergo periods of economic and social transformation due to policy changes, investments, and leadership initiatives. These transformations can be assessed using various indicators such as GDP growth, infrastructure development, improvements in law and order, and social welfare programs. The success of these initiatives often depends on effective governance, policy implementation, and addressing historical challenges. The Goods and Services Tax (GST), for example, has aimed to create a unified national market and boost economic growth across states. Governance plays a crucial role in fostering development and maintaining law and order. Effective governance involves transparent and accountable administration, efficient delivery of public services, and the rule of law. Key constitutional provisions, such as those related to Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, guide the state's actions in promoting social and economic justice. Additionally, various laws and regulations are enacted to maintain law and order, prevent crime, and ensure citizen safety. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) are fundamental laws in this regard.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased focus on state-level economic development and governance reforms. Many states are actively promoting investment, improving infrastructure, and implementing policies to enhance ease of doing business. Initiatives like Make in India and state-specific industrial policies aim to attract investment and boost manufacturing. These efforts often involve streamlining regulatory processes, providing incentives to investors, and developing industrial parks and special economic zones. Law and order remains a critical area of focus for state governments. Measures to improve policing, enhance crime prevention, and ensure swift justice are often prioritized. This includes increasing the number of police personnel, modernizing police equipment, and implementing technology-driven solutions for crime management. Additionally, efforts are made to address the root causes of crime through social welfare programs and community policing initiatives. The Smart Policing concept emphasizes the use of technology and data analytics to improve police effectiveness. Looking ahead, states are expected to continue focusing on sustainable development, inclusive growth, and citizen-centric governance. This involves addressing challenges such as climate change, inequality, and unemployment. The implementation of various central government schemes, such as Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Smart Cities Mission, plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. Furthermore, states are increasingly leveraging technology and innovation to improve service delivery and citizen engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What key figures and numbers should I remember regarding Uttar Pradesh's economic growth under the BJP regime for the UPSC Prelims?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember that Yogi Adityanath is the current Chief Minister who claims Uttar Pradesh has transformed into an economic powerhouse. Key numbers to remember are Uttar Pradesh's share of the country’s GDP, which is nearly 9.5%, and the recruitment of over 219,000 police personnel.

Exam Tip

Focus on associating Yogi Adityanath with the claimed economic transformation and memorizing the GDP contribution percentage.

2. What is meant by the term 'renaissance' in the context of Uttar Pradesh's claimed development, and why is it important to understand this concept?

In the context of Uttar Pradesh, 'renaissance' implies a significant revival after a period of decline. Understanding this concept is crucial because it frames the government's narrative of transforming Uttar Pradesh from a state burdened by economic distress and lawlessness to an economic powerhouse with improved governance and law and order.

3. How has the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh changed, according to the Chief Minister's claims, and what data supports this?

According to the Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh has transitioned from a state with criminal patronage to one with zero tolerance towards crime. Supporting data includes the recruitment of over 219,000 police personnel, with a significant focus on increasing women's representation in the police force, now at 44,000.

4. What are the potential pros and cons of the Uttar Pradesh government's approach to development, focusing on law and order and economic growth?

Pros include improved investor confidence, increased economic activity, and a safer environment for citizens. Cons might involve concerns about potential overreach in law enforcement, the exclusion of marginalized communities if development is not inclusive, and the prioritization of certain sectors over others.

5. What are the recent developments in Uttar Pradesh that support the claim of it becoming an 'economic powerhouse'?

Recent developments include increased infrastructure projects, policies aimed at attracting investment, and efforts to improve the ease of doing business. The rise in Uttar Pradesh's share of the country's GDP to nearly 9.5% also supports this claim.

6. How might the increased recruitment of women in the Uttar Pradesh police force impact governance and society?

Increased representation of women in the police force can lead to more gender-sensitive policing, improved handling of cases involving women, and a more inclusive and representative government. It can also empower women and serve as a positive role model for girls in the state.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the economic transformation of Uttar Pradesh as highlighted in the news: 1. The Chief Minister claimed that Uttar Pradesh's share of the country's GDP has risen to nearly 9.5%. 2. The transformation involves a shift from a 'fear zone' to a 'faith zone', with increased emphasis on festivals and temple economy. 3. The state government has focused on improving law and order by adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and criminals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct as per the information provided. Statement 1 is correct because the Chief Minister highlighted the rise in Uttar Pradesh's share of the country's GDP to nearly 9.5%. Statement 2 is correct as the transformation involves a shift from a 'fear zone' to a 'faith zone', with increased emphasis on festivals and the temple economy. Statement 3 is correct because the state government has focused on improving law and order by adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and criminals.

2. Which of the following initiatives is most directly related to improving the 'ease of doing business' in a state like Uttar Pradesh?

A.Increasing the number of women in the police force
B.Streamlining regulatory processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles
C.Promoting religious tourism and temple economy
D.Implementing social welfare schemes for marginalized communities

Show Answer

Answer: B

Streamlining regulatory processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles directly improves the ease of doing business by making it simpler and faster for companies to set up and operate in the state. While the other options are positive developments, they do not directly address the regulatory and bureaucratic aspects of doing business.

3. Assertion (A): Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a significant increase in infrastructure development in recent years. Reason (R): Increased infrastructure spending can lead to higher economic growth and improved quality of life. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true, but R is false
D.A is false, but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Uttar Pradesh has indeed seen increased infrastructure development, and this development is a key driver of economic growth and improved living standards. Infrastructure development includes roads, railways, power plants, and other essential facilities.