Gorakhpur, Dec 9 (UNI)- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the dominance of the mafia, whether in cooperatives or any other sector, hinders development and adversely affects the well-being of the common people.
While addressing an event after inaugurating the newly constructed commercial complex of District Cooperative Federation (DCF) Limited in Nathmalpur, Gorakhpur, the CM said, “Such circumstances prevailed in UPbefore 2017. However, with the intensified crackdown on mafia networks in the state, there has been a notable shift in public perception. Today, UP is witnessing substantial developmental works, leading to increased income for the people.”
On this occasion, he highlighted that prolonged gang wars in Gorakhpur had led to an identity crisis for the residents. “Entrepreneurs were reluctant to invest and banks were hesitant to provide loans to the youth. The absence of significant development projects was evident and even when such projects emerged, the influence of the mafia often led to contract disputes and gang wars,” he said.
Yogi said, “The cooperative movement has been the soul of India’s development. States that understood its fundamental concept and importance advanced in development. States that neglected cooperatives or allowed cooperatives to fall into the hands of the wrong people lagged behind. The backwardness of the state also had a negative impact on per capita income.”
He said that cooperatives in UP were deliberately weakened through malicious actions. He pointed out that prior to 2017, the Reserve Bank of India cancelled the licenses of 16 district cooperative banks in the state, resulting in severe consequences for small farmers and traders who had deposited their money in these institutions.
The CM said, “Many faced financial ruin, making it challenging for them even to arrange funds for significant life events such as their daughters’ marriages. Today, many banks have become operational again with the help of the government.”
He said that a model of the cooperative could be created among small land-holding farmers by forming FPOs and linking them with different works like food processing and storage. “These models are expected to inspire a significant number of people, leading to increased employment opportunities,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s subsidy support for constructing warehouses, Yogi said, “If warehouses are built by connecting farmers, new sources of income will also be created for them.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ income by ensuring timely provision of fertilisers and seeds. Recognising the broader impact, he stressed that an increase in farmers’ income would positively contribute to the prosperity of both the state and the country.
J&K: Politicians Visit House Of Slain Police Officer
REC Signs 200 Million Euro Loan Agreement With German Bank KfW
First-Ever Khelo India Para Games To Begin In New Delhi On Dec 10