Uttar Pradesh Held Back by Poverty, Poor Infrastructure Despite Growth Potential

Uttar Pradesh has very low per capita income, lower than Pakistan and Sub-Saharan Africa, indicating extremely poor economic performance.

The state's economy is held back by an entrenched feudal system, mafia rule, poor infrastructure, and lack of land redistribution.

Poverty is very high, with nearly 23% multidimensionally poor and some districts having 70% poverty rates. Health and social indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality are extremely poor.

Despite claims of high growth potential, the state's GDP growth rate is insufficient to reach ambitious targets like a $1 trillion economy.

Fundamental democratic reforms are needed to empower voters to spur economic transformation, instead of continuing with the focus on caste and cults.