Mumbai, March 15 – According to Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, creativity in governance lies in simple, practical ideas that improve people's lives, with humanity, positivity, and equality at its core.
He was speaking at an event on the theme of a creative economy.
“Creativity is not limited to arts or culture, but includes governance decisions that solve problems and bring positive change to society. Creativity is anything that makes society, humanity, and the world better. If a decision increases positivity, brings equality, and builds a constructive mindset, that is creativity,” he said.
Referring to his time as chief minister, Yadav said that small administrative reforms can lead to significant results, and his aim would be to strengthen the health and manufacturing infrastructure if his party wins the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
He cited an example: "During the Kumbh Mela, a simple suggestion to place cooking gas cylinders inside sand pits reduced the risk of fire accidents. Sometimes, a small reform can transform into a major public safety measure.”
Speaking about reforms in afforestation programs, Yadav said that officials were instructed not to plant the first saplings during plantation drives, and ministers were urged to plant the last tree after the entire green belt had been developed, which ensured that the plantation work was completed before any ceremonial photo opportunity.
Road durability problems in the Bundelkhand region were addressed through design changes since it was realized that roads were getting damaged due to water dripping from sand-laden trucks, leading to the construction of RCC roads on the return lane where loaded trucks travelled and bitumen roads on the other side.
On promoting a creative economy, Yadav said, “Culture, handicrafts, and films can significantly boost economic growth. During my government, policies were introduced to attract film production to Uttar Pradesh and provide opportunities to regional artists and filmmakers.”
He cited filmmaker Yash Chopra as an example of how cinema can promote tourism, saying that the director's films helped popularize Switzerland as a tourist destination. He also cited the introduction of flower-based Holi celebrations, which created new economic opportunities for flower farmers.
His government strengthened the recognition for artists through Yash Bharati awards, which provided both financial awards and a monthly honorarium to distinguished artists and sportspersons, Yadav said.
On education and digital access, Yadav said that the laptop distribution program launched during his tenure helped bridge the digital divide among students in rural areas. He also cited specialized training programs linked to industries such as the perfume sector in Kannauj, with some students receiving training abroad.
Yadav said that the Agra-Lucknow Expressway was completed in record time and designed with innovations such as toll plazas located only at exit points and provisions for emergency aircraft landings. The rapid construction of the Lucknow Metro with guidance from metro expert E. Sreedharan was an example of efficient urban infrastructure planning, he added.
“Creativity in governance means thinking differently, making policies that are practical, and ensuring that development reaches people. Innovative ideas were central to several programs implemented by my government in Uttar Pradesh, such as the launch of the 1090 Women Power Line aimed at tackling harassment of women through phone calls and social media. This ensured that such offenders were tracked and stopped,” he said.
The initiative was appreciated by the Supreme Court of India, according to the former UP CM.
Likewise, the Etawah Lion Safari was developed with inputs from international experts associated with Longleat Safari Park, San Diego Zoo and Night Safari, Yadav said.
There was also a focus on urban green spaces, with projects such as Janeshwar Mishra Park and Ram Manohar Lohia Park, he added.
“A 200-km cycle highway was constructed between Etawah and Agra to promote eco-friendly transport and tourism. The police response system was modernized through the Dial 100 Emergency Response System, which introduced GPS-enabled vehicles and a centralized control room for faster response to emergencies,” he said.
Yadav said that UP earlier lacked modern venues for major international events, but the development of the Ekana cricket stadium led to the hosting of international and IPL matches.
Referring to school nutrition programs, he said that partnerships with organisations like the Akshaya Patra Foundation led to the introduction of large, mechanised kitchens in the midday meal scheme.
A village facing electricity and billing problems was connected to a solar mini-grid within three months by his government, leading to benefits for the villagers who no longer had to pay any power bills, he said.
Pointing out to the country's talent in handicrafts and traditional industries, Yadav cited zari work in Varanasi, chikankari embroidery in Lucknow, brassware from Moradabad, woodwork from Saharanpur, and sports goods manufacturing in Meerut.
During the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh, marketing centres similar to Delhi Haat were set up in cities like Lucknow, Noida, and Ghaziabad to help artisans sell their products, he added.
“Policy reforms and dialogue with investors helped address concerns of companies and attract investment. Creativity leads to positive change and new possibilities. It builds trust. When people are creative and constructive rather than destructive, it strengthens society and the economy,” he said.