Latest news with #TOIDialogues–InfrastructureChapter
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter: UP's health & heritage tourism vision promotes sightseeing to soul seeing
The sixth edition of TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter was held in Lucknow on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, changemakers, and experts for engaging panel discussions and fireside chats on urban development, smart mobility, sustainability, and industrial growth. The event also served as a networking hub for real estate developers, infrastructure consultants, and investors exploring opportunities in Uttar Pradesh. The final panel of the day, 'Health & Heritage: Building a Resilient, Tourism-Driven Uttar Pradesh', carried the theme Digital Transformation: Integrating Health and Heritage and was moderated by Sanjay Bhatnagar. The panel featured Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh (IAS); Pramit Mishra, Unit Head of Max Healthcare in Lucknow; Shantanu Gupta, author of The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh; and Puja Singh, Life Coach and Co-Founder of My Mom's Village. When asked about UP's health agenda, Pramit Mishra said, 'With the legendary medical schools UP has produced, doctors are serving not only in the country but across the globe.' Responding to Bhatnagar's question on whether there is a structured policy for medical tourism, Mukesh Kumar Meshram responded, 'As such under medical tourism we haven't processed such policies but we are in process of doing so.' He further added that, 'There are two aspects in UP, one is medical tourism for hospitals and medical colleges, where people come to get treatment at a lower cost compared to other countries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like SRM Online MBA – Empowering Future Leaders SRM Online Enquire Now Undo Second is wellness tourism, focusing mainly on preventive measures, especially after COVID-19.' Speaking about her organisation's role, Puja Singh said, 'We are contributing in the aspect of rural tourism, sustainable tourism, and wellness tourism. Our primary focus is shifting the tourism lens from sightseeing to soul seeing.' On UP's tourism potential, Shantanu Gupta praised the state's infrastructure and the successful organisation of the Mahakumbh, noting the massive number of visitors this year. The Lucknow edition of TOI Dialogues also hosted discussions on defence-linked infrastructure, Maha Kumbh 2025 preparations, police modernisation, and heritage revival. Building on past editions in Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi, the event continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on UP's infrastructure-led growth, attracting enthusiastic participation from government officials, investors, and industry leaders alike.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
TOI Dialogues - Infrastructure Chapter: UP's path to future-ready growth; experts stress need for skill development
TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter in Lucknow As part of its ongoing initiative 'Driving India's Growth One Dialogue at a Time,' Times of India hosted the latest edition of its flagship event, TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter in Lucknow. The e-conclave brought together key voices from government and industry to deliberate on Uttar Pradesh 's developmental strides in infrastructure, employment and investment. The event focused on Uttar Pradesh's transformational journey, with particular emphasis on roads, smart cities, green energy and industrial growth. The second panel discussion was on the theme 'Creating a Future-Ready Uttar Pradesh by Connecting Infrastructure, Industry, and Human Capital' and was moderated by Sanjay Bhatnagar. The panel comprised of following dignitaries: Amit Mohan Prasad, Ex-additional chief secretary MSME Pulkit Khare, Mission Director, Skill Development Mission, Uttar Pradesh Shashank Chaudhary, Assistant CEO, Invest UP Rahul Ahluwalia, Director, Foundation for Economic Development Vineet Rai, Vice Chairman, Aavishkaar Group Amit Mohan Prasad: MSMEs as growth engines: Opening the discussion, Amit Mohan Prasad emphasized Uttar Pradesh's emergence as a top investment destination due to factors such as improved law and order, progressive industrial policies and a large consumer base. Highlighting the CM Yuva program, he explained the state's flagship scheme aims to support one lakh micro enterprises annually over the next decade. 'MSMEs are the biggest employment generators, contributing 30% to GDP, 60% to employment and 45% to exports,' he noted. Pulkit Khare: Skilling for the future: Pulkit Khare stressed the critical link between infrastructure and human capital, noting that without the right skill sets, physical infrastructure loses its value. He revealed that only 70% of graduates in UP are considered industry-ready, with national figures even lower. The initiative lead by him is providing free training programs in emerging domains like AI and IT to bridge the gap. 'Any kind of physical infrastructure is incomplete if we don't have proper human infrastructure,' he added. Shashank Chaudhary: Changing perceptions of UP: Shashank Chaudhary addressed the evolving investor sentiment, pointing out that UP was once seen as an agrarian state, plagued with concerns over governance and infrastructure. However, initiatives like expressway networks, upcoming airports and electronic manufacturing parks have redefined investor confidence. 'Today, investors appreciate the scale of development. Those who've started operations in UP are running them successfully,' he stated. Rahul Ahluwalia: UP must compete globally: Rahul Ahluwalia offered a broader perspective on ease of doing business, arguing that UP must now aim to compete with countries like China and Vietnam, not just Indian states. 'UP has gone from being one of the most restrictive states to one of the most liberal in terms of business reforms,' he observed. Vineet Rai: A time for introspection: Concluding the discussion, Vineet Rai acknowledged that basic infrastructural needs have been met, but the state must now focus on raising per capita GDP and achieving the aspiration of becoming a $1 trillion economy. He stressed the need for joint action by the government and private sector, saying, 'The ecosystem in UP at this point of time needs a critical introspection of itself.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
TOI Dialogues - Infrastructure Chapter: Experts root for wellness-led tourism in UP; stress cultural heritage as key driver
Sanjay Bhatnagar, Pramit Mishra, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Pooja Singh and Shantanu Gupta At the 6th edition of TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter, held in Lucknow's Taj Mahal Hotel, Gomti Nagar on Thursday, top government officials and tourism experts came together to talk about the future of infrastructure and tourism in Uttar Pradesh. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, shared several updates. He said, 'We're aiming to create one lakh hotel rooms in the next two years under the 2021 tourism policy, which is also being updated based on new suggestions,' said Meshram. He added that the homestay policy is active, allowing locals to rent out homes with government support. The state is also leasing out its forts and palaces to be turned into heritage hotels, with the condition that the original architecture is preserved. One of the key discussions centred around integrating health and heritage tourism across the state. Addressing health and wellness tourism, Meshram noted, 'We don't have a separate medical tourism policy yet, but we're working on it. Post-Covid, people have become more health-conscious. UP has strong potential in yoga, naturopathy, and wellness tourism.' Pooja Singh, founder of My Mom's Village, shared how her initiative was promoting community-driven and organic rural tourism, especially empowering women. "We're working to shift tourism from just sightseeing to soul-seeing, experiences that connect travellers with nature and the local way of life. Alongside that, we're empowering village women, practising organic farming, and making sure the community around us is part of the journey. " Pramit Mishra, Director of Tourism, highlighted the affordability of healthcare in the state. 'Medical treatment in UP is about 20% cheaper than Delhi, and tier-3 cities have a lot of scope for medical infrastructure and affordable hospitality,' he said. Shantanu Gupta, author of The Monk Who Transformed Uttar Pradesh, spoke about the economic potential of religious tourism. 'Religious events like the Kumbh Mela attract huge crowds.'Dharmanomics' can add 0.5% to 1% to GDP, which is significant.' TOI Dialogues is a flagship initiative by The Times of India that brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society voices on one platform. Focused on India's biggest development challenges and opportunities, it aims to spark meaningful conversations and drive collaborative solutions for the country's growth.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter: Minister Suresh Khanna highlights UP's growth leap under CM Yogi rule; charts state's $1 trillion ambition
Uttar Pradesh's finance minister Suresh Kumar Khanna speaking at TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh's finance minister Suresh Kumar Khanna on Thursday said the state has firmly left behind its 'BIMARU' image and is now being recognised nationally and internationally as a model of development, powered by strong leadership and sustained infrastructure push. Delivering the keynote address at the TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter, Khanna said, 'There's a clear difference between the UP of 2016-17 and today. This transformation has been made possible due to the firm leadership of our Hon'ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , and guidance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi . What was once unthinkable—UP becoming a developed and investment-attracting state—is now the new normal.' He credited improved law and order, rapid infrastructure development, and major strides across the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors as the foundation for this change. 'From expressways to airports, from irrigation to food grain production, every sector has seen progress,' said Khanna, noting that the state currently contributes significantly to the national economy, and is on track to meet the ambitious $1 trillion economy target set by the Chief Minister. Highlighting the investment momentum, he said nearly Rs 15 lakh crore worth of investments have been grounded in the state since the Yogi government came to power, backed by actual implementation and groundbreaking ceremonies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Back Pain! Back Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo 'The numbers speak for themselves. The manufacturing sector, supported by 16 airports and a growing network of expressways, now contributes 26.5 per cent to the GSDP, while services—especially tourism and transport—account for 42.5 per cent. Even the long-pending irrigation schemes in rural areas have been delivered after decades of neglect,' the minister said. Khanna also said that Uttar Pradesh is now a secure destination for investors. 'We rank 20th in the country in terms of crime rate despite being the most populous state. This is a result of the CM's unwavering commitment to law and order.' Earlier, delivering the opening address, Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi, retired IAS officer and advisor to the Chief Minister, set the stage with real-world anecdotes of global investor interest and on-ground impact of infrastructure initiatives in Uttar Pradesh. Citing examples from recent global outreach, Awasthi spoke about a healthcare entrepreneur of Indian origin who signed MoUs to build five multi-specialty hospitals across the state within a month of discussions. 'This is the new perception of UP globally—one of growth, opportunity, and good governance,' he said. Awasthi also discussed his recent visit to Japan, where the UP delegation explored green hydrogen collaborations and defence sector ties with the Yamanashi prefecture. 'The warmth and interest shown by the Japanese were remarkable. From infrastructure to energy, the potential for collaboration is immense,' he added. Reflecting on UP's rapid growth, he shared that the state is already nearing Rs 30 lakh crore in Domestic State Product, roughly $343 billion, within just two years of launching the one trillion economy mission. 'Our expressways—Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and soon the Ganga Expressway—are not just roads, they are economic corridors,' he said, highlighting how places like Badaun and Shahjahanpur are being rapidly transformed due to better connectivity. The upcoming Jewar Airport, expected to be operational by August or September, was also described as a 'game-changer.' Awasthi underlined four key pillars for future growth: quality education, transparent governance, ease of doing business, and power sector reforms. Held in Lucknow, the TOI Dialogues – Infrastructure Chapter brought together policymakers, bureaucrats, industry leaders and experts to deliberate on UP's development roadmap, with sessions on defence-linked infrastructure, Maha Kumbh 2025, police modernisation, healthcare, and heritage revival. This edition of TOI Dialogues builds on the success of earlier city editions in Kanpur, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi. It aims to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration on UP's infrastructure-led growth model, with discussions ranging from urban development to investment opportunities under Invest UP 2.0. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from state government officials, real estate developers, infrastructure consultants and industrialists, underlining UP's emergence as a key investment destination.
