World Bank President Ajay Banga Commends Uttar Pradesh’s Progress, Offers Partnership for Development

 

On a significant one-day visit to the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, World Bank President Ajay Banga met with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and lauded the state government’s transformative efforts toward development and governance.

The high-level meeting underscored the shared vision of both parties to foster economic growth, create employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty in one of India’s most populous states.

During the meeting, Banga praised the leadership and administrative resolve demonstrated by the Uttar Pradesh government.

He acknowledged the strides made under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s governance in improving law and order, enhancing business regulations, and fostering an overall environment conducive to investment and development.

Banga emphasized that these factors play a vital role in laying the foundation for sustainable progress and inclusive growth.

“A developed India, or ‘Viksit Bharat’, cannot be envisioned without a developed Uttar Pradesh.

The state’s impressive progress is a reflection of a committed leadership that prioritizes systemic reforms, economic efficiency, and public welfare,” said Banga.

He further added that real development begins with creating a conducive environment, marked by the rule of law, transparency, and ease of doing business, alongside continuous efforts and energetic leadership.

Highlighting the importance of employment generation as a core strategy to eliminate poverty, Banga remarked, “The most impactful intervention to address poverty is job creation.

Jobs empower individuals and communities, not only financially, but also by restoring dignity, hope, and optimism about the future.” He elaborated that poverty should not be viewed merely in economic terms, but as a broader societal challenge that encompasses psychological and emotional dimensions as well.

To create employment on a large scale, Banga stressed the critical need for infrastructure development. He outlined that investing in physical infrastructure, such as highways, railways, airports, and logistics hubs, plays a central role in boosting economic activity and attracting private sector investments.

“Infrastructure development acts as a catalyst for growth. When the private sector is given the tools and an enabling environment, it can generate employment and drive the economy forward,” he said.

He also noted that the state government was already on the right path, commending the focus on both the “ease of doing business” and the “speed of doing business.”

These elements, he said, are vital for attracting investments, ensuring efficient project execution, and fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Banga went on to express the World Bank’s willingness to collaborate with the Uttar Pradesh government, especially in key areas such as healthcare.

He acknowledged the state’s ongoing efforts in reforming the healthcare and education sectors, citing the provision of readymade meals for mothers as a noteworthy initiative aimed at improving maternal nutrition and public health outcomes.

The World Bank president also identified additional areas with promising potential for growth, including tourism and manufacturing.

He commended the state’s business-friendly policies and regulatory reforms that have significantly improved the overall investment climate.

While appreciating the increasing role of technology in governance and development, Banga pointed out that there is no substitute for strong leadership.

He emphasized that while artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies offer new opportunities, it is effective governance and visionary leadership that ultimately drive change.

He particularly praised the state government’s efforts to empower the youth through skill development and vocational training programs, which he said were essential to preparing the next generation for the demands of a modern economy.

In a more personal reflection, Banga shared a sentimental connection with the state. He revealed that his wife hails from Uttar Pradesh, which gave him a sense of belonging during his visit. “It feels like I have come back home,” he said warmly.

He noted that this was his first visit to Uttar Pradesh in over a decade, and he was deeply impressed by the scale and speed of transformation that the state had undergone in various sectors during that time.

In conclusion, Banga reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to working with the Uttar Pradesh government to support its developmental goals.

The visit marked a significant endorsement of the state’s current trajectory and opened doors for enhanced cooperation in areas ranging from infrastructure and healthcare to education, technology, and job creation.