Chief Minister launches NRI initiative to partner with US in 8 sectors

Uttat Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday launched project Svadesh — Silicon Valley and Avadh’s Development for Entrepreneurial Services for Humanity — to partner with US’ Silicon Valley in various sectors. Svadesh, the brainchild of NRIs hailing from UP, will expand with support from the state government, which signed an ‘Intent of Cooperation’ with Tenacity Group in the Silicon Valley.

This will enable it to assist the government in at least eight sectors with special focus on improving healthcare and creation of jobs. While urging NRIs to invest in UP like they have done in Karnataka, Akhilesh said: “Svadesh is the first step towards bringing together people of Uttar Pradesh and Silicon Valley.” “We have created an NRI department and our aim is to connect more and more people… World over, health and IT sectors are growing fast. Technology is a great means to close gaps in the society and thus, we have distributed 15 lakh laptops,” he added.

Speaking through an online link from California, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said: “Our two regions are natural allies… We are both committed to innovation, to using technology to improve education, healthcare, and to bring these benefits to all people, no matter whether they are wealthy or poor.” Sanjiv Saran, Principal Secretary (NRI), said: “The cooperation (between Tenacity and UP) covers a number of aspects, including technological cooperation, skill development, job creation, education, healthcare technology and infrastructure, setting up world class health facilities, renewable energy and solid waste management.”

Later in the day, while inaugurating a theme park in Greater Noida from his residence in Lucknow, Akhilesh said he is not in danger. “If I tell the truth, I am in no danger,” he said, responding to a question by a journalist. He added: “You will soon see me going alone without any prior announcement and security.”