Lucknow, 09 May (HS): World Bank

President Ajay Banga reached the capital Lucknow with his team on Friday. Here

he met the Chief Minister of the state Yogi Adityanath. During this, Banga

praised the development work being done in the state and the leadership of the

Chief Minister. Overwhelmed by the warm welcome received in Lucknow, Banga said

that it feels as if I have come back home. My in-laws are in UP and coming here

after 12 years, I am seeing changes in every field. He said that Yogi

Adityanath has vision, determination and energy.

Developed UP will become the base

of developed India: World​ ​Bank Chairman Ajay Banga said that the development

of Uttar Pradesh will play an important role in establishing India as a

developed nation on the global stage. He said that developed UP will become the

base of developed India. Banga praised the unprecedented reforms in the field

of infrastructure, strong law and order and strong connectivity in the state.

Appreciating the vision, energy and determination of Chief Minister Yogi

Adityanath, he said that his policies have taken the economy of UP to new

heights.

Praise of law and order and

connectivity: World Bank President Banga expressed happiness over the positive

changes in the field of law and order in Uttar Pradesh. He said that strong law

and order and better infrastructure have made UP an ideal place for investment

and development. Banga termed the small farmers of Uttar Pradesh as the biggest

strength of the state. He said that small farmers are the gold of Uttar

Pradesh. He also said that farmers cannot become rich by selling land; they

have to be encouraged for advanced farming. They can achieve prosperity only

through advanced farming. Banga stressed the need to encourage farmers to adopt

modern agricultural techniques and innovations. He praised the progress being

made in the agricultural sector of UP and called it the backbone of the rural

economy.

There are immense possibilities in

the tourism sector in UP: Discussing the immense possibilities of tourism in

Uttar Pradesh, Banga said that there are immense possibilities of religious,

cultural and eco-tourism here, which can give it a prominent place on the

global tourism map. Banga praised the global demand for UP's food and local

crafts. He said that UP's food and handicrafts are popular not only in India

but also internationally. Through these, the local economy can be strengthened

further.

Manufacturing and MSME sector is

the future of UP: The World Bank president described Uttar Pradesh's potential

in the manufacturing sector as extraordinary. He said UP is a giant in Micro,

Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Banga praised the favourable environment

created by the Yogi government for ease of doing business and said it makes the

state attractive for investors.

Yogi Adityanath's focus is on skill

development: Ajay Banga called the government's focus on skill development a

game-changer for the youth. Banga praised the Readymade Meal for Mother scheme,

which he called an exemplary step in the field of maternal health and

nutrition. Apart from this, he also praised the reforms in areas like

healthcare and education. Banga said that Yogi Adityanath is doing a very good

job. He has a clear vision and determination to implement it.

Ajay Banga was accompanied by World

Bank Vice President Auguste Tano Koume, Country Director (India) John and Mark.

On behalf of the government, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed everyone

to UP. During this, senior ministers of the state Suresh Kumar Khanna, Surya

Pratap Shahi, Swatantradev Singh, Baldev Singh Aulakh, Chief Secretary Manoj

Kumar Singh and senior officers of various departments were present.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi