Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 5 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday pledged to eliminate poverty in the state within the next three years and make it the country's number one.

While addressing the gathering during his visit to Maharajganj, the UP CM emphasised the government's commitment to eradicating poverty and improving infrastructure.

The UP CM said, 'We will eliminate poverty from UP in 3 years and make the state number one.'

He highlighted the recent passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Parliament, which aims to prevent illegal land occupation and ensure government properties are used for public welfare projects such as schools, hospitals, and housing.

The UP CM also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 629 development projects worth Rs 654 crore, including the inauguration of the Rohin Barrage.

On the inauguration of the Rohin Barrage, which is expected to benefit 16,000 farmers and provide irrigation for more than 5,400 hectares of land, Yogi stated that the barrage, located in the Nautanwa assembly constituency, will be named Maa Banaila Devi and will help in flood prevention and irrigation.

CM Yogi outlined the state's achievements under his government, noting that Uttar Pradesh had become the second-largest economy in India, up from the seventh-largest in 2017. He also pointed to improvements in infrastructure, including road networks and irrigation projects, which have benefitted millions of farmers.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of education, health, and poverty eradication, mentioning initiatives such as the Atal Residential Schools for the children of workers and the Chief Minister's Composite Schools in every development block. He noted that the state had successfully curbed criminal activities, ensuring a safer environment during festivals, turning the state from 'one district, one mafia' to 'one district, one medical college.'

In addition, Yogi Adityanath highlighted that Maharajganj had become the top district in Uttar Pradesh under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana, where 1,000 youths are receiving interest-free loans and noted the development was being carried out without discrimination and that the state was on a path of significant progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his visit, the Chief Minister also distributed cheques, tablets, Ayushman cards, and appointment letters to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, provided a loan to entrepreneurs under the Yuva Udyami Yojana, and distributed financial assistance to the families of individuals who had contributed to public welfare.

The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, State Water Power Minister Swatantradev Singh, and other local representatives. (ANI)