CATEGORY 1 ESSAY:

“With great power comes great responsibility”

It may be a line from a comic book but it surely fits in veracity as well. The present condition of

Indian politics is very clearly visible to everyone. Not only at the apex but also at the

subordinate levels the whole system pleas for reformation. Someone has rightly said, “Charity

begins at home”. If given the opportunity to bring about these reforms why not to start with

your home state which in my case is Uttar Pradesh. Situated in northern part of India, Uttar

Pradesh geographically shares its borders with seven states. With the population of 16.6 million

it is the most populous country sub-division in the world. It constitutes the longest network of

rivers and canals at 28,500 km fostering the agriculture sector this state is endowed with fertile

land, salubrious-climate and perennial river systems. It had also been referred to as the granary

of India. The state has an excellent communication network including one of the longest rail

and road lengths.

The state with its human resource potential, proactive policies and commitment to ensure

encouraging climate to the investors is poised to emerge as a manufacturing hub in the country.

The state has developed into a hub for corporate R&D with many domestic players and MNCs

establishing their facilities. Smooth and proficient governing of this state is also politically

critical as out of 545 members of parliament in Lok Sabha 80 are from Uttar Pradesh which

does craft its mark on the centre stage.

But a lot of issues persist to this date that is slowing down the progress. Recently several

loopholes have been discovered in the system of the governing body. Even after six decades of

independence state governing body has flunked to devise a sophisticated infrastructure.

Economically the state is not recrudescing as per the expectations. Pitiable quality of education,

social indifferences, corruption, unemployment, misogyny and many other glitches are still

prevalent, hampering the growth of the state in every manner. To be the chief minister this state

is seriously a behemoth task.

As the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh it would be my duty to terminate all these tribulations.

The entire system calls for reorganisation. Each and every problem shall be tackled

methodically by drawing a layout of its origin, steps adopted to counteract it, causes of letdown

and alternative solution. To begin with economic, social and technical disputes must be tackled.

An economically impregnable Uttar Pradesh could be an engine of augmentation for the rest of

the country. It has a sturdy agricultural base and diverse industries that have helped over a long

period. However the economic performance of the state over the past few years has descended

behind that of the country. Even the financial circumstances of Uttar Pradesh have been a

matter of grave concern. This predicament is at the heart of all the obstacles faced by

development programmes in state. The overall mismanagement of fiscal affairs is disappointing

and that has already started affecting much needed capital outlays.

Therefore indispensable measures are to be espoused in this regard. Apposite management of

the economic affairs is to be done. Agriculture is the foundation of income for about 72 per cent

of the population. The state is one of the leading producers of food grains and other commercial

crops in the country. After sovereignty several bills were given assent to promote agriculture

but after six decades various loopholes are now coming into light. Land resources must be

judiciously utilised, policies formulated must be flexible in nature. Farmers should be made

aware of the new age farming concepts and technical knowhow. Apart from this unemployment

needs be tackled with NREGA and other such schemes being implemented in a way that only

the ones in real need are benefitted. Foreign Direct Investment should be welcomed keeping in

mind that the interests of local retailers are not harmed. Provisions should be made to make

available adequate quantity of vaccinations and quality medical facilities to the government

hospitals at affordable prices. The judicial body requires to be made more proficient. Novice

power plants should be installed to meet the intensifying demand of power supply and measures

would be taken to sponsor alternative and eco-friendly technologies.

Field of sports is often neglected by the policy makers. Special grants would be assigned for the

promotion of all types of sports providing proper infrastructure and amenities. Privatization of

sports shall be welcomed like in boxing. Urbanisation would be done in a uniform and effective

way.

Steps would be taken to eliminate all forms of discrimination against the girl child that result in

detrimental and unethical practices like female infanticide, etc. Increasing public awareness of

the value of the girl child and at the same time strengthen the self-esteem and status of the girl

child. Women shall be encouraged to participate in and learn about the social, economic and

political functioning of society, with the result that they are offered the same opportunities as

their male counterparts to participate in decision-making processes.

One of the main objectives shall be to fill the knowledge gaps and thereby assisting in devising

purposeful lines of action that will facilitate removal of the barriers in the socio-development of

the weaker sections of the society. Growth can only be achieved if ignorance is eradicated.

Currently the literacy rate in Uttar Pradesh at 57.36% is below the national average of 65.4%.

This barrier to education is due to lack of adequate school facilities.There are not enough

classrooms to accommodate all of the schoolage children. Furthermore, the classrooms that are

available often lack basic necessities such as sanitary facilities. Effective measures would be

taken to build up the infrastructure and that too under the supervision of the local bodies or

NGO’s so that the implementation is checked at the ground level. Stringent measures shall be

adopted to develop professionalism among state employees as due to job security growing

absenteeism is being observed.

A variegated landscape with mountains, lakes and historic monuments evokes a deep sense of

spirituality. The state has immensely to offer to an adventure seeker, spiritualist and a casual

tourist alike. With attractive tourist destinations there is a vast scope in promoting tourism in

state. Unlike Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh the concept of involving social media and celebrities

can really prove to be an asset to the state economy. Important judicial reforms like Lokpal Bill

shall be introduced to curb mounting corruption. Police authorities shall be made more

accountable. For better governing of state cordial relations with the central government are a

prerequisite to ensure allocation of funds for various new ventures.

Eventually to sum up it is essential that the implementation of these policies is strictly

monitored as for an important state like Uttar Pradesh it is necessary, as it has a noticeable

impact on the nation’s economy and overall growth. In the words of Ruskin Bond,

“I had been to other countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East –but none of them had

provided even half as much variety, or so much to see and experience and remember, as this one

state in northern India. This colourless uniformity is apparent in many other countries of the

world, both East and West. But Uttar Pradesh is a world in itself.”