Uttar Pradesh (UP), once struggling with financial difficulties and budget deficits, has witnessed an impressive turnaround under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In a period of just eight years, the state’s economy has more than doubled, growing from Rs 12.88 lakh crore in 2017 to Rs 27.51 lakh crore. Yogi’s government is now aiming to further this progress, targeting an economy worth over Rs 30 lakh crore in the 2025-26 financial year.
This transformation comes after a long period of financial mismanagement under previous governments. Before Yogi’s tenure, UP faced severe budgetary shortfalls, delayed government salaries, and rampant corruption, which drained state resources. In stark contrast, Yogi Adityanath’s government focused on good governance, transparency, and stringent fiscal management, which has led to a resurgence in the state’s economy.
Under Yogi’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh has shed its previous image as a “BIMARU state” and is now regarded as the “growth engine” of India. In 2023-24, the state outperformed the national GDP growth rate of 9.6% by achieving a growth rate of 11.6%. This growth is attributed to strategic investments in infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and a focus on industrial development, turning UP into one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in India.
Yogi Govt Saves Rs 10,000 Crore With DBT
The Yogi government’s approach to economic growth is distinguished by its focus on eliminating corruption and increasing transparency. Through initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which eliminated middlemen and ensured funds were directly transferred to beneficiaries, the state saved approximately Rs 10,000 crore. In 2024-25 alone, over Rs 1 lakh crore was transferred to more than 9 crore beneficiaries, significantly improving the delivery of welfare programs.
Another key achievement of Yogi’s administration is Uttar Pradesh’s revenue performance. The state has increased its share of own tax receipts from 9.9% in 2022-23 to 11.6% in 2024-25, placing it among the top performers in India. This upward trend reflects the effectiveness of Yogi’s financial management policies and his focus on creating a self-sustaining economy without increasing taxes.
Uttar Pradesh’s transformation is also visible in its investment climate. The state, once marred by organised crime and mafia extortion, has now become a top destination for investment, attracting both domestic and international businesses. The reduction in crime and the creation of a secure environment for entrepreneurs have made UP a preferred investment hub.
Religious Tourism Gains Traction in UP
Religious tourism has also been a major contributor to UP’s economic growth. Pilgrimage centers like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura have attracted global tourists, leading to a boom in religious tourism. The successful organisation of events like the Mahakumbh has further boosted the state’s economy, benefiting local businesses and creating jobs.
This success has not gone unnoticed, with Uttar Pradesh’s model of growth now being discussed on international platforms, including the United Nations. The state has become an example of how effective governance, transparency, and strategic reforms can drive substantial economic growth.
With continued progress under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is on track to reach its target of a Rs 30 lakh crore economy by 2025-26. The state’s remarkable transformation serves as a beacon of hope for other regions, showing that with the right leadership and policies, growth and prosperity are achievable.
