12 new inclusions in list of traditional artisan tradesto accelerate UP's push to self-employment: Yogi

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday announced the addition of 12 new trades to the existing 11 traditional artisan trades. The list includes mobile repairing, automobile repairing, electronic goods repairing, electrical goods repairing, plumbing, computer repairing, solar panel repairing, digital photography, beauty and wellness, among others.

"By incorporating these new sectors, the govt aims to link youth with modern technology and the global market to make them self-reliant," the CM said.

He was speaking at an official programme to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma.

Highlighting that artisans and craftsmen have transformed UP from a lagging state to a growth engine by working very hard over the past eight and a half years, he said, "Only a mentally unwell person would still consider it a lagging state, as the perception of Uttar Pradesh has changed across the nation. UP is now a state with unlimited potential."

Informing that a loan of Rs 1.32 lakh crore was distributed by banks to artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs across the state in the MSME sector, he said, "This amount exceeds the annual budget of several states, which is remarkable."

Under the Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana, toolkits were distributed to 12,000 artisans across the state. Ritvik Kanojia and Priyanka Kumari from Lucknow were honoured with toolkits on the stage by the Chief Minister.

"The goal is to transform youth from job seekers to job providers. In 2017, only Rs 44 was lent for every Rs 100 deposited, whereas today, this ratio has reached 62%. The aim is to increase this to 75% by the next financial year. Our govt's commitment is to turn youth into job providers rather than job seekers," he said.

Stating that the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has become a model for the entire country, he said, "This scheme has made UP a state exporting goods worth Rs 1.86 lakh crore, providing employment to millions of youth and giving the state a new identity."

The CM recalled Mahatma Gandhi's concept of village self-reliance, stating that villages used to be self-sufficient, with artisans and craftsmen strengthening the social and economic structure. He urged artisans to use their expertise and skills to drive the state's development. "Everything is available with our artisans. Cricket and football are played worldwide, but their equipment is made in Meerut. Leather work is done in Agra, and the craftsmanship of Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Bhadohi in carpets is admired globally," he said. Appointment letters were also handed over to 111 junior assistants in the state.

Officials informed that three significant MOUs were signed with various companies and organisations to provide new technical training. These companies include RailTel India, GMR, Shahi Exports, Yadupati, Usha International, Lakme, Mr Brown, Radhelal, Dhobilite, Messrs Aptech, Laundry Legend, Samadhan, Mahesh Namkeen, Minda Silka, Care Skill Academy, Apparel Training and Design Center, Royal Impact, Vijay Industries, Shyam Sons, Azimut Business on Wheels, JD Welfare, Black Pottery Foundation, HCL Foundation, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India's CA Charanjit Singh Nanda and CA Gyanchand Mishra. These companies will train traditional artisans with new technologies.

Stating that Vishwakarma Jayanti coincided with PM Narendra Modi's birthday and calling it a reason for 'double joy', he said, "UP will play a crucial role in achieving PM Modi's vision for a developed India by 2047."