Gorakhpur, Sep 29 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday that investment flourishes only in a secure environment, and if people don’t feel safe, their capital won’t be either.
The CM was speaking at the inauguration of a new soft drink bottling and dairy product plant by Varun Beverages, a franchisee of PepsiCo, which was set up with an investment of Rs 1,170 crore in Sector 27 of GIDA, near the Gorakhpur Link Expressway. He said that the state’s strong security environment and zero-tolerance policy towards crime have disturbed those who once saw crime as a profession.
He said, “PM Narendra Modi has called upon the youth to focus more on entrepreneurship instead of jobs. Entrepreneurship is the most important medium to get more opportunities for employment.”
Yogi highlighted that developed countries have prioritised entrepreneurship, research, and innovation. He mentioned that investment creates crucial job opportunities for youth and helps fulfil the aspirations of the people.
He said that in the past seven years, UP has emerged as an excellent destination for investment, thanks to its improved security and law-and-order policies. “The government is dedicated to maintaining zero tolerance towards crime because ensuring safety now is essential for securing a better future,” he said.
The CM shared insights on his government’s investment initiatives since taking office for the first time in 2017. He recalled that a dedicated team was established to explore investment opportunities in UP, which initially projected that the state could attract Rs 20,000 crore in investments.
He resolved to transform UP into a desirable destination for both domestic and international investors. His administration’s efforts resulted in attracting investment proposals totalling Rs 40 lakh crore during the Global Investors Summit held in February 2023.
During the recent ground-breaking ceremony attended by Prime Minister Modi, the foundation for investment proposals worth Rs 10 lakh crore was laid.
The CM said that increasing investment is a sign of rising industrial development and job creation in UP. Citing the Varun Beverages unit in GIDA as an example, he said that the administration facilitated this progress by providing 48 acres of land for the project, resulting in employment for over 1,500 individuals.
He said, “90 percent of these employees are from UP, with more than 70 percent hailing from Gorakhpur and its surrounding areas. Previously, many young people were compelled to seek job opportunities in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, or even abroad in places like Thailand and Singapore. Now, they can find jobs and employment opportunities closer to home. But, this change has not taken place overnight.”
He pointed out that after the foundation stone of GIDA was laid, there were no signs of industry development until 1998, largely due to protests and incidents like Lathi charges and firings that deterred investment. “However, by addressing these challenges and improving communication with investors, UP has successfully attracted Rs 12,000 crore in investments to GIDA over the past three to four years,” he said.
Yogi said, “Establishing a solid land bank, improving infrastructure, and ensuring ease of doing business are essential for bringing investment to the ground in UP. The government has focused on these areas, creating digital platforms to streamline business processes.”
He said that the Nivesh Mitra portal serves as a single-window system for over 450 NOCs, while investment MoUs are monitored through Nivesh Sarathi. “An online incentive system is also in place for investors, and the CM Fellow has been appointed to address any issues faced by them,” he said.
The CM highlighted that when projects progress smoothly, both investment and job creation become evident. He mentioned several companies, including IGL, Gallant, Ankur Udyog, Keyan Distillery, Gyan Dairy, and Tatva Plastic, that have invested in GIDA.
He said, “Work on a plastic park, flatted factory, and readymade garment park is being pursued vigorously by GIDA.”
He said that a CBG plant has been established in Dhuriyapar, marking a significant step toward green energy through the production of ethanol from agricultural stubble. “Efforts are also underway to transform Dhuriyapar into a major industrial area,” he said.
Regarding Varun Beverages, CM Yogi acknowledged the company’s excellent dairy products but pointed out the current challenge of insufficient local milk supply, requiring sourcing from outside the region.
“To address this, the government has approved Rs 20 crore to establish a women’s cooperative similar to the Balini Milk Producers in Bundelkhand,” he said.
After inaugurating the Varun Beverages unit in GIDA, CM Yogi conducted a thorough inspection of the bottling plant. He observed the entire process from the manufacturing to packaging of carbonated soft drinks and explored various PepsiCo brand products.
During his visit, Varun Beverages officials showcased their state-of-the-art high-tech machinery and the innovative bottling processes in place.
