Uttar Pradesh’s CM Yogi Adityanath on Monday called on technology institutes to extend their efforts beyond campus confines and contribute to national development by creating affordable, practical, and sustainable technology models. Speaking at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology (MMMUT) during an event that inaugurated and laid the foundation for 13 development projects worth over Rs 91 crore, the Chief Minister emphasized that while technology makes life easier, its high cost remains a barrier to accessibility.
Highlighting the need for inclusive innovation, the Chief Minister remarked, “When technology is expensive, it becomes inaccessible to the common people.” He challenged academic institutions to develop cost-effective solutions in key sectors such as housing, environment, and sanitation. Referencing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he posed a question: “The government provides Rs 1.20 lakh for constructing a house in rural areas. Can technology be devised to build a house within this budget and reduce construction time from nine months to three?”
CM Yogi also expressed concerns about traditional construction methods, urging the adoption of modern innovations rooted in indigenous techniques to address issues like solid and liquid waste management. He stressed that the affordability of technology is essential because government funds come from public taxes, and thus, it is imperative to ensure that this money benefits the people effectively.
During the event, which also saw the flagging off of four CNG buses, the Chief Minister noted how technology has transformed governance. Citing tech-enabled systems that facilitated the transparent distribution of free rations to 15 crore citizens and the inspection of 80,000 fair-price shops in a single day—leading to the identification of 30 lakh fake ration cards—he underscored the immense impact of digital innovation on public service delivery. He also highlighted measures such as the direct transfer of increased monthly pensions for the elderly, destitute women, and differently abled individuals, which have helped eliminate corruption.
CM Yogi pointed to a striking public utility example where the transition from halogen to LED street lighting reduced carbon emissions and saved Rs 1,000 crore for the state. He further praised an indigenous water purification method implemented by the Municipal Corporation in Gorakhpur, where a natural filtration process using boulders, stones, and vegetation replaced a proposed Sewage Treatment Plant costing Rs 110 crore, reducing expenses to just Rs 10 crore. This innovative model, which meets environmental standards, has drawn praise from international bodies, including experts from Germany.
Looking ahead, CM Yogi emphasised the growing importance of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Quantum Computing in addressing modern challenges. He mentioned the current use of robotics in municipal sewer cleaning and stressed the need for developing more accessible and affordable solutions in this domain. Drawing a contrast between Western concepts of sustainable development and India’s holistic approach, CM Yogi reiterated the nation’s commitment to fostering total progress across all dimensions of life, citing India’s historical leadership in education and technology.
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CM Yogi also congratulated the 76 newly appointed teachers at MMMUT, urging them to live up to their responsibilities and contribute positively to the institution’s development journey. In his closing remarks, he reiterated that those who face challenges emerge stronger, while those who shy away are left behind. The event, attended by dignitaries including Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava and University Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini, also saw the felicitation of teachers and researchers under the research scheme, marking a celebration of both innovation and academic excellence.