Digital News Guru Uttar Pradesh Desk:
Marking International MSME Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled a suite of initiatives aimed at empowering youth entrepreneurs across the state. Spearheading the momentum was the launch of the CM YUVA app—short for Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan—designed to offer seamless digital access to financing, training, and scheme-related information, without requiring a single visit to government offices. The program has already aided over 90 lakh MSME units, with 55,000 youth registered on its digital platform. Accompanying the app unveiling, CM Yogi inaugurated several additional infrastructure and support mechanisms:
CM YUVA App: A One‑Stop Digital Hub
The CM YUVA app offers:
- Interest-free, collateral-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh, with provisions for further tranches of Rs 7.5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh upon repayment success.
- Career guidance, skill-building modules, and curated entrepreneurial content.
- An integrated platform for scheme registration and resource access, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles. CM Yogi emphasized that youth no longer need to “run from one government office to another”.
Since its launch, the platform has reportedly enrolled 55,000 users aged 18–40, with ambitions to roll out support to 10 lakh micro-enterprises by 2035.
Youth Adda: Networking, Mentoring, Learning
A physical “Youth Adda” was inaugurated at Lucknow’s Kisan Bazar to provide a dynamic ecosystem where young entrepreneurs can:
- Pitch ideas
- Access mentorship from experienced professionals
- Receive financial advice
- Network with industry peers
CM Yogi stressed the importance of non-discriminatory access, stating “If the government works without discrimination, then development comes fast”.
ODOP Common Facility Centres: Boosting Local Artisans
Under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, CMCs were launched in Bareilly and Moradabad, adding to infrastructure aimed at enhancing productivity and product quality for district-level specialties like brassware, chikankari, and carpets.
Cheques and toolkits were distributed to 15 MSME beneficiaries and 5 artisans, reinforcing practical support to fledgling enterprises.
GI‑Tagging MoU: Elevating Global Recognition
An MoU was executed between the Human Welfare Association and UP’s Industries Department to support Geographical Indication (GI) tagging—helping traditional products gain international legitimacy. CM Yogi cited successes like Kannauj perfumes, Bhadohi carpets, and Lucknow chikankari.
Inclusive Reach: Transgender Entrepreneurs
In a landmark move, the state extended support to transgender individuals by including them in the CM YUVA scheme. They will receive skill training, financial backing, and interest-free loans—backed by the establishment of 100 dedicated welfare centres offering vocational and digital literacy programs.
CM’s Narrative: Transformation Beyond Numbers
CM Yogi framed the initiative as a radical departure from earlier governance marked by “caste-based conflicts, mafia, and neglect of entrepreneurs”. Since 2017, he highlighted, UP has witnessed:
- GDP growth from Rs 12.75 lakh crore to Rs 31 lakh crore
- Per-capita income rise from Rs 46,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh
- Exports increase from Rs 80,000 crore to over Rs 2 lakh crore.
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, speaking at the same day’s ASSOCHAM MSME conclave, echoed the sentiment of transformation. He emphasised the government’s emphasis on removing bureaucratic barriers, enabling pro-business policies, and upskilling the workforce through schemes like ODOP, Unity Mall and CM Yuva.
Early Impact: Rising Entrepreneurs and MSME Growth
Since 2018, MSME aspirants have leveraged this ecosystem:
- 40,000+ loans disbursed through the CM YUVA Yojana
- Success stories range from cake bakeries to tattoo parlors and digital libraries.
What Lies Ahead
- Mass-digitization: Continued app development and broader awareness campaigns through “Youth Adda” and educational festivals.
- CFC activation: Getting the Bareilly and Moradabad facilities fully operational and expanding them statewide.
- GI momentum: Fast-tracking GI applications for more district products to amplify rural exports.
- Social equity: Further support for marginalized communities through targeted skill centres and inclusive schemes.
Statewide Ecosystem: A Game-Changer for India’s MSMEs
With over 96 lakh MSMEs employing 2 crore people, UP already holds India’s largest MSME footprint. The CM YUVA suite combines:
- Digital finance through interest-free loans
- Physical incubation via Youth Adda
- Production infrastructure through ODOP CFCs
- Global market access via GI tagging
- Social democratization, notably uplifting transgender inclusion
Together, these components form a holistic ecosystem that has the potential to transform how entrepreneurship operates in India’s most populous—and economically vibrant—state.
Conclusion
The MSME Day launch of CM YUVA and adjunct programs reflect UP’s commitment to digitally inclusive, geographically diverse, and socially equitable entrepreneurship growth. With backing from bipartisan political leadership and a track record of success, UP is charting a new roadmap for state-led economic renewal—anchored in its youth-driven and traditional craft-enabled future.
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