On Thursday (21 August), Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Shree Cement Plant, established at a cost of ₹750 crore in Etah. On this occasion, he strongly attacked the opposition Congress and Samajwadi Party. He said that after the Mughals and the British, these parties became the biggest obstacle in the path of development. Consequently, they pushed the country backwards. At the same time, Yogi said that today, due to the double-engine government’s clear policy, clean intentions, and zero tolerance towards criminals, Uttar Pradesh has reached new heights of development.
From crime to investment
Addressing the public gathering, the Chief Minister said that 8–9 years ago, Etah was known as a hub of crime and mafias. The lands of the poor were illegally occupied, and their voices went unheard. He noted that without securing citizens’ property, you can not expect development. He said that the situation has completely changed today. Etah has now earned an identity as a centre of strong law and order and new industrial investment.
Highlighting the newly established Shree Cement Plant, the CM said that the facility, set up with an investment of ₹750 crore, has created 500 direct and more than 3,000 indirect jobs. Along with this, thousands of people associated with local transport, trade, and distribution have also received employment opportunities.
Shree Cement’s social contribution
CM Yogi emphasised that Shree Cement is not just an industrial venture but also fulfils a national responsibility. The Etah unit has so far provided free cement to 183 martyr families. In addition to this, the company earlier set up a plant in Bulandshahr, a new plant now in Etah, and a 40 MW green energy (solar) plant in Chitrakoot. He said this is the true foundation of self-reliant India. Here, industries do not only work for profit, but also make contributions in the interest of society and the nation.
Attack on Congress and the Samajwadi Party
In his speech, CM Yogi Adityanath slammed Congress and SP, saying these parties always focused on developing their own families, not the people. Under their rule, traders were unsafe, daughters were not secure, and the poor had no voice. This, he said, pushed back India’s economy continuously.
He reminded that in the 17th–18th century, India was the world’s number one economy. After 1947, due to Congress’s policies, the country slipped to sixth place. By 2014, it had fallen to 11th place. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has now become the fourth-largest economy in the world and will soon rise to the third position.
Uttar Pradesh’s economic rise
The Chief Minister highlighted that when the BJP government came to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, the state ranked as the seventh largest economy in the country. Today, UP has grown to become the second-largest economy. Strong action against crime and mafia, firm control over rioters, and efforts to instil confidence among industrial investors made this transformation possible.
He informed that Uttar Pradesh has so far attracted investment proposals worth ₹45 lakh crore, out of which projects worth ₹15 lakh crore have been grounded. This investment has created employment for 6 million (60 lakh) youth. Recently, 60,244 youngsters were recruited into the police force, including many from Etah. Additionally, under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Yojana, 70,000 youth were provided interest-free loans and margin money. This support helps them start their own enterprises.
“The foundation of self-reliant India”
CM Yogi described the new Shree Cement Plant as a major pillar of employment and development. He stated that a single industry can provide jobs to 3,500 people directly and indirectly. While other investments across the state are showing new paths to lakhs of young people. He further said that this investment is not only creating opportunities locally. It is also providing better road connectivity, power generation, and modern infrastructure to regions like Etah.
Referring to the Jawaharpur Thermal Power Plant generating 1,500 MW of electricity, the CM said that Uttar Pradesh now faces no shortage of energy or jobs.
Symbol of a changing Uttar Pradesh
The Chief Minister stressed that the Shree Cement Plant in Etah is not just an industrial unit. It is also a symbol of a changing Uttar Pradesh. From being known for crime and mafia, Etah is now emerging as a hub of industry, employment, and development.
According to him, with public support and investor confidence, the double-engine government is rapidly taking the state towards a self-reliant and developed India.
