Lucknow, February 9: During the first day of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s budget session, Governor Anandiben Patel delivered a speech that served as a clear declaration of the state’s transformed identity. She stated that Uttar Pradesh has evolved from being labeled a ‘bottleneck state’ to a ‘breakthrough state,’ achieving significant milestones in governance, law and order, economic empowerment, agricultural expansion, women’s empowerment, infrastructure development, and widespread public welfare.
The Governor’s address presented a factual and constitutional overview of the government’s policy firmness, administrative efficiency, and the confident strides towards a developed Uttar Pradesh.
Governor Anandiben Patel emphasized that the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a benchmark across the nation. The government’s balanced approach of strictness and sensitivity has established decisive control over organized crime and mafia networks. The extensive use of modern technology, strengthening of the police force, prompt and effective justice systems, and transparent administrative processes have created a fear-free and trustworthy environment in the state. This secure atmosphere is positioning Uttar Pradesh as one of the most attractive and reliable states for industry, trade, startups, investment, and large-scale job creation.
She noted that the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime has yielded solid and decisive results. Actions against organized crime have led to the conviction of 35 mafia members and 94 accomplices, with two criminals sentenced to death and 267 criminals eliminated in encounters. A total of 977 accused have been detained under the National Security Act (NSA), and illegal properties worth over ₹4,137 crores have been seized from mafia elements. The response time for UP-112 emergency services has been reduced from 25 minutes and 42 seconds to just 6 minutes and 51 seconds. Cybercrime police stations are now operational in all 75 districts, and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested 148 terrorists. Additionally, 146 illegal foreign nationals, including Rohingya and Bangladeshis, have been apprehended. The Anti-Corruption Organization has conducted 999 successful trap operations to combat corruption.
Anandiben Patel highlighted the institutional strengthening of security mechanisms, noting that since 2017, eight new forensic laboratories have been established, with six more under construction. During this period, over 219,000 police recruits have been made, 158,000 personnel promoted, and recruitment processes for 83,122 positions are ongoing. The budget for strengthening the police force has increased by approximately 150%. Key reforms in prisons include the enrollment of 41,424 home guards, the construction of six new district jails, including the Etawah Central Jail, and the early release of 1,010 inmates.
To enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of the justice system, integrated court complexes have been approved in ten districts, the establishment of Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University in Prayagraj, the stabilization of 81 fast-track courts, the resolution of 3.60 crore cases in Lok Adalats, and the organization of 2,609 legal literacy camps have collectively strengthened a quick, transparent, and people-sensitive justice system in the state.
The Governor also underscored the government’s achievements in infrastructure development, stating that Uttar Pradesh has been given new direction in connectivity, transport, and logistics. She reported that 168 development block headquarters have been connected by double-lane roads, and construction has been completed on 161 roads totaling 1,410 kilometers in length. The state government aims to strengthen 46,600 kilometers of roads by 2025-26, with nearly 28,000 kilometers of road renovations already completed. Efforts are underway to provide minimum four-lane connectivity to key routes linked to interstate and international borders, significantly boosting trade, transport, tourism, and industrial investment.
