Varanasi, July 25 (FN Representative) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with the newly elected corporators and directed them to ensure that the problems of the public are resolved on the priority basis during his one-day visit to Varanasi on Monday. During the meeting the CM said that a budget of Rs 837 crores has been earmarked for Varanasi in the current financial year. He said that for the first time such a huge majority has been given by the public in Varanasi Municipal Corporation. He said that the Prime Minister represents Kashi, the oldest city in the world. Pointing out that the budget of the UP government, which was 3 lakh crore in 2016-17, has now doubled to Rs 7 lakh crore, he said that UP has become a revenue surplus state and there was no shortage of funds. Yogi said that the main objective of the meeting is the cleanliness of the city and the issuance of municipal bonds. He said that the branding of the Municipal Corporation will be done only through cleanliness. Referring to the revolutionary changes that have taken place in the telecom sector, he said that with reforms the market grows and a new story of development is written. He laid special emphasis on construction of new complexes in place of old dilapidated shops in the metropolitan area.
The CM stressed on bringing changes in the housing sector as well, so that the standard of living of the people living in the slums could also be raised. He also laid special emphasis on the participation of the private sector in the developmental process as well as making the Municipal Corporation self-reliant. He also stressed on the need for increasing the budget of the Municipal Corporation from Rs 837 crores to Rs 2,500 crores in the current financial year. Giving an example, he said that in 2016-17 excise duty of Rs 12,000 crore was received, which has now increased to Rs 52,000 crore. Yogi stressed that the corporators should sit with the citizens, listen to their problems and also take out a cleanliness rally. Emphasising on making the city completely plastic free, he said that plastic products should be completely banned. He directed officials to raise public awareness and enforce the ban strictly. He directed the officials of the Municipal Corporation to ensure that during the regular cleaning of roads and streets in the cities, the garbage is picked up immediately. Keeping in mind the need of the next 100 years, the CM laid special emphasis on making the building of Municipal Corporation Sadan multipurpose.
He specially emphasised that new technology should be used for the development of the city. He said, “Effective action should be ensured soon to ensure that electricity does not flow in heritage poles at all.” Yogi directed to improve the power supply system. “There is no shortage of electricity in the state. Uninterrupted power supply in Varanasi should be ensured in every condition,” he said. Earlier, he visited Kaal Bhairav temple and Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Kashi and offered prayers. After darshan and worship at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, he directed the officials to ensure that the devotees do not face any kind of problem on the temple premises during the month of Shravan and said that the best facilities should be provided to the devotees of Lord Shiva. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also met Shri Kanchi Kamkoti Peethadheeshwar Jagadguru Shri Shankar Vijayendra Saraswati Ji Maharaj at the Math and inquired about his well-being.