Change the Agenda Change the Politics. Change the Narrative of the Politics.

Change the Agenda Change the Politics.

Change the Narrative of the Politics.

Uttar Pradesh stands at a critical juncture where the existing political landscape has failed to address the deepening economic and social crises faced by its people. The decline of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the persistent weakness of the Congress have left the opposition fragmented, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) is not in a position to give a strong opposition to the ruling BJP.

                   To meet the challenges posed by BJP authoritarian government in Uttar Pradesh, a broad-based democratic initiative - one that unites political forces, social organizations, and concerned citizens in a common struggle for employment rights, economic justice, social entitlement and democratic governance. Barring RSS and BJP, and its off-shoots, any member of a political formation, mass organizations, individuals and political formation can be the part of this Political initiative.

                   The core challenge facing the people of Uttar Pradesh is not just a sectoral crisis but a macro-level failure of governance that has disproportionately affected the unorganized sector. Workers, farmers, youth, and women have all borne the brunt of a policy-induced economic downturn, yet their struggles remain fragmented. This agenda seeks to build a unified framework that ties together these concerns -demonstrating that their fight for dignity, fair wages, social security, and economic opportunities is interconnected. The interests of workers, farmers, youth and women have to all come together in their common interest of empowering the welfare of all. The interest of Dalits, Tribals, Extreme backward classes, and minorities, women will be a part of this macro frame work. This will bring all the marginalized sections together in a wide alliance.

 The Impact of Central government Policy - Induced Crisis in Uttar Pradesh

Central government policies - particularly demonetization and the flawed implementation of  GST - have led to massive economic losses, estimated at Rs 10-12 lakh crore for the unorganized sector. While government schemes project a narrative of welfare ("labharthi" politics), only Rs 3-4 lakh crore is being returned in the form of benefits. This imbalance shows how the working population is being systematically shortchanged and misled.

            The real economic growth rate is not 6-7% as claimed by the government but closer to 2-3%, once adjusted for the decline in the informal economy, job losses, and rising inequality.  Government data is being manipulated to paint a picture of economic stability while invisible losses are crippling small businesses, farmers, and workers. Meanwhile, corruption and the black economy are siphoning off public wealth, enabling a culture of cronyism where resources are extracted for elite consumption rather than productive investment in public welfare.

           Identity based discrimination against Schedule caste, Scheduled Tribes, Extreme Backward classes, minorities and women is increasing in all sphere in their lives. Social protection and special budgetary Sub plan is needed for them.

Addressing Key Issues for a New Political Direction

1. Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare 

Farmers must receive a fair Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops and have access to proper storage facilities. Agricultural diversification should be promoted to ensure resilience and sustainable income for farmers. The government must invest in rural infrastructure, market access, and modernized storage solutions to minimize post-harvest losses. Sustainable agricultural practices and cooperative-based models should be encouraged. Vacant Government land should be distributed to landless peasants and rural workers. The Forest Rights Act should be implemented in true spirit. 

Enhance Support for Farmers: 

● Incentivize food processing subsidy to 50% from the current 35%. 

● Small farmers below 5 acres should be exempt from paying Land Use Change fees for setting up food processing units. 

● Infrastructure subsidy should be increased to 50% from 35% for setting up cold storages, with 60% for SC/ST farmers. 

● Government-funded crop insurance schemes should include climate risk and market fluctuation protection based on the costing of each crop per acre. 

Strengthen Rural Infrastructure: 

● Establish rural banks with favorable lending terms and adjust the credit-deposit ratio to ensure local savings are invested back into the community. 

● Electricity subsidy for rural farmers up to 200 units, as it currently applies only to tubewells. 

● Extensive network of Canals to strengthen the irrigation of the crops and reduce dependability on ground water and tube wells.

2. Basic Education 

● The need to bring back and provide primary and secondary education under the public/government sector. 

● Primary education structure should be created/strengthened following the provisions of the RTE Act 2009 in letter and spirit. 

● A whole-school education network under the public sector should be established, with a special focus on areas populated mainly by SCs, STs, Minorities, and OBCs. 

● The Mid-Day Meal Scheme should be reinforced with nutritious food. 

● Budget for ICDS (Anganwadi) should be increased to meet current requirements and aligned with community needs. 

3. Technical Education and Skill Development 

Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Polytechnic institutions, Kaushal Vikas Kendras, and technical institutes must be upgraded to match modern industry requirements. Currently, only 2% of the state’s education budget is allocated to skill development and technical education, which is insufficient. The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) must be expanded to ensure quality training, industry linkages, and proper placement mechanisms. 

Expand Skill Development: 

● ITIs and polytechnics should have partnerships with local industries for apprenticeships. 

● Free coding, AI, and digital skills courses in every district. 

● A minimum 3-month fixed internship for every passout from government-run ITIs. 

4. Rural Area Development 

Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are receiving loans at exorbitant interest rates, even government loans exceed 13.5% per annum, while Micro Finance companies charge over 30% per annum. The state must provide grants-in-aid and state-backed guarantees to ensure fair access to financial resources for rural enterprises and training centers. Funds should be available to trainees to start enterprises. Basic primary schools must be strengthened for quality education. Additionally, digital connectivity and financial literacy programs should be implemented to empower rural entrepreneurs. 

5. Improving Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio 

Uttar Pradesh suffers from a low CD ratio, meaning the state’s savings are leaking out to better off  states. Banks must be mandated to reinvest local deposits into local economic growth through business loans, infrastructure development, and employment initiatives. The expansion of financial inclusion programs can also help mobilize rural savings into productive sectors. 

 6. MSME Sector Strengthening 

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) lack financial facilities, market protection, and production support. Policies must be introduced to ensure their sustainability and competitiveness. The state should establish MSME clusters, ensure low-interest credit facilities, and provide tax incentives to boost production and employment generation. 

Support MSMEs: 

● Increase financial assistance for AI-driven and automation-based MSMEs. 

● Provide direct R&D grants up to Rs 10 lakhs for technology-based MSMEs. 

● Establish MSME Technology Incubation Centers in collaboration with IITs and NITs in at least 10 districts covering each region of the state. 

● Interest-free loans up to Rs 10 lakhs for MSMEs. 

● Create a state-run digital marketplace to help rural and small businesses reach wider markets at par with the GeM portal. 

● Exempt businesses with turnover under Rs 1 crore from GST and provide them a simple alternative tax regime. 

● Set up artisan cooperatives in Bundelkhand and Purvanchal. 

7. Employment  

Strategic improvements must be made in education, employment policies, and healthcare infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the population. Filling up vacant government jobs and ensuring employment guarantee for the youth of the state. The implementation of  MNREGA with a revised higher wage and expansion into urban areas, along with improved pro labour democratic laws and social security measures, will provide greater economic stability. Old pension scheme should be revived. Respectable universal pension scheme for all groups of lower, middle income earner.     

8. Healthcare Improvements

The budgetary allocation for health scheme in Uttar Pradesh for budget 2025-26 is only 4.64 percent. It must be raised to fulfill the following requirements

● One functional government hospital in every tehsil, with emergency care facilities. 

● Ambulance-like Mobile Clinics with doctors for remote and tribal areas. 

● Free prenatal checkups, ultrasound, and nutritional support for every pregnant woman. 

●  Rs 10,000 maternity aid for every woman delivering in a government hospital. 

● Cheaper medicines should be available to all. 

● Better pay scale for Anganwadi, ASHA workers, and regularization of contract workers. 

9. Law, Order, and Governance 

Strengthen Legal Systems: 

● Establish an independent State Police Complaint Authority where citizens can directly file complaints against police misconduct. 

● Ensure 50% of members are from civil society (journalists, retired judges, activists, etc.). 

● Make body cameras mandatory for police officers on patrol, especially during raids, arrests, and protests. 

● Empower the Authority to investigate and recommend punishments for police brutality and corruption. 

10. Environmental Protection 

The state is witnessing rapid environmental degradation. Immediate steps must be taken to prioritize conservation and sustainable development. Policies must be introduced to: 

● Regulate industrial pollution. 

● Promote afforestation. 

● Integrate green energy solutions. 

● Ensure sustainable urban planning to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance air quality. 

11. One District One Product Initiative 

● The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative is beneficial but lacks a structured export promotion mechanism. 

● Unlike Gujarat and Maharashtra, UP does not provide direct export subsidies or financial assistance for international marketing. 

Suggestions: 

● Set up Export Facilitation Centers in key industrial hubs. 

● Provide financial incentives for MSMEs to participate in international trade fairs. 

Conclusion 

We believe that changing the agenda/narrative  is essential to transforming the politics of Uttar Pradesh.

Akhilendra Pratap Singh

AIPF

25.03.2025