Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to launch a district-led economic development project covering 28 districts of Purvanchal, aiming to turn local resources into opportunities for investment, jobs, entrepreneurship and exports.
The Uttar Pradesh Enabling District-Led Economic Growth (UP-EDGE) project, proposed with World Bank support, is estimated to have an outlay of around ₹2,500 crore and a five-year duration.
Seven Bundelkhand Districts May Join
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held discussions with World Bank officials on the project’s proposed components, including submission of the Preliminary Project Report to the Centre.
Seven districts of Bundelkhand could also be brought under the programme, according to the state government.
Purvanchal accounts for nearly 40% of Uttar Pradesh’s population but contributes about 27.6% to the state’s GDP. Its per capita income is around 45% below the state average, while nearly 80% of its workforce depends on agriculture.
Focus On Manufacturing, Services
The project seeks to diversify the regional economy by strengthening manufacturing and services alongside agriculture.
Adityanath said district-specific investment plans should be prepared based on local resources, requirements and economic opportunities to generate employment and increase incomes.
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The government also plans to connect One District One Product (ODOP) and other local products with wider markets through improved design and packaging, helping expand export opportunities.
One Lakh New Enterprises
Around one lakh new enterprises are proposed under the project, with greater participation from women entrepreneurs.
Tourism, education, healthcare, e-commerce, data centres and Digital Districts have also been identified as potential growth areas.
Skill development initiatives are planned around major educational centres including Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj. The government will also explore Medicities and health tourism.
Agricultural processing will receive attention, alongside a proposal to develop around 10,000 polyhouses and strengthen local administrative capacity.
