List of Activities

Description

A pivotal meeting was held on 14 November 2024 at the Camp Office of the District Magistrate, Meerut to discuss two key initiatives aimed at transforming the economic landscape of the district: the cultivation of foxnut (makhana) and strategies for enhancing Meerut’s GDP.

The meeting was led by Shri Rajendra Agrawal, Chairman of the Steering Committee for Quadrupling Meerut’s GDP and former MP of Meerut. The session was chaired by the District Magistrate with active participation from public representatives including the MLA of Meerut Cantt, district officials such as the Chief Development Officer and District Agriculture Officer, agricultural expert Prof. R.S. Sengar, Head of the Plant Biotechnology Department at Agri University, Meerut and MCF members.

Key Discussions in the Meeting

• Suitability of Climate.   Experts from the Agriculture University in Meerut confirmed that the region’s climate is conducive for foxnut cultivation. However, soil adaptability and water retention require detailed studies.

• Economic Potential.   Foxnut farming is labor-intensive but offers significant returns, making it an attractive option for farmers.

• Complementary Farming.   Combining foxnut cultivation with fish farming or water chestnut production can maximize the utility of water bodies.

• Infrastructure Needs. The availability and preparation of ponds, both public and private, are essential for successful cultivation.

Strategizing for GDP Growth: Key Challenges and Opportunities

The Forum presented its study on enhancing Meerut’s GDP, emphasizing the untapped potential of the district’s unorganized industry clusters and the importance of implementing the New Education Policy (NEP-2020).

• Cluster Development.   Out of 12 identified clusters in Meerut, most lack formal associations, which limits their growth.

• Education Reform. Implementing NEP-2020, particularly in vocational streams for secondary education, remains a challenge. A detailed study is planned to address these issues.

The initiatives discussed during this meeting aim to position Meerut as a leader in innovative agriculture and industrial development. With proactive planning, support from experts, and collaboration between stakeholders, Meerut is poised to unlock new economic opportunities.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the District Magistrate and participating members with a remark that Meerut Citizens Forum (MCF) remains committed to fostering sustainable development and uplifting the economic prospects of our beloved district.

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For identifying and implementing strategies to quadruple Meerut's GDP and uplift the livelihoods of its farming community, a meeting on foxnut cultivation in Meerut District was convened on 18 October 2024 at MCF Office, Saket, Meerut under the esteemed leadership of   Shri Rajendra Agrawal, Chairman, Steering Committee for Quadrupling Meerut’s GDP and Former MP, Meerut.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to explore foxnut cultivation as a potential avenue to boost the district's agricultural output and overall economic growth.

The meeting aimed to explore the potential of foxnut cultivation as a high-value agricultural initiative to enhance the district's agricultural output and overall economic growth of the district.

The meeting was attended by notable stakeholders from academia, agriculture and the MCF team, i.e.: -

• Prof. R.S. Sengar, Professor & HoD, Plant Biotechnology, Agriculture University, Meerut.
• Shri Dinesh Singhal, Trustee, MCF.
• Shri Rampal Verma, Member, MCF, Meerut.
• Shri Harsh Goyal, Member, MCF, Meerut.
• Shri Sudhanshu Tiwari, Member, MCF, Meerut.

Key Discussions

The meeting highlighted the following key points: -

Ø Climatic Suitability.   Agriculture University, Meerut confirmed that the district's climate is conducive to foxnut farming.

Ø Multi-Crop Opportunities.
Foxnut farming can be integrated with water chestnut cultivation and fisheries, creating additional revenue streams for farmers.

Ø Pond Utilization.   Village ponds with silt and mud bases, suitable for foxnut cultivation, were identified as untapped resources.

Ø Pilot Project.    It was proposed to initiate a pilot project using one Amrit Sarovar pond from each block of Meerut district.

Ø District Administration’s Role.   Collaboration with Meerut District Administration was deemed crucial for infrastructure and logistical support.

Ø Expert Assistance.   Partnership with the National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), Darbhanga (Bihar) was proposed for technical expertise.

Ø State Subsidy.   The Uttar Pradesh government’s subsidy of ₹40,000 per acre for foxnut farming was identified as a significant incentive.

Action Plan

ü The meeting concluded with actionable steps, such as engaging experts, coordination with District Authorities, pilot implementation etc, to move forward.

Beyond foxnut cultivation, the meeting delved into natural farming practices. Prof. RS Sengar shared insights into sustainable agricultural methods that could further enhance the district's agrarian economy.

The meeting ended on a positive note with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Shri Rajendra Agrawal, for his leadership and commitment to economic development through innovative agricultural initiatives.

Description

In a collaborative efforts to promote vocational awareness among secondary school students, the Kanohar Lal Trust Society and Meerut Institute of Technology organized the third "Career Mela" at D.N. Inter College, Railway Road, Meerut, on 10-11 September 2024. Supported by the Deputy Commissioner (Industries), Meerut, this initiative aimed to provide students with valuable insights into various skills, vocations, and career opportunities to shape their futures. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, with over 1,200 students from D.N. Inter College and their parents attending, highlighting the increasing emphasis on skill development as a crucial component of education.

The event was inaugurated on the first day by Shri Rajendra Agrawal, Hon’ble former MP of Meerut, who emphasized the importance of integrating skill development into the educational system to help students pursue diverse career paths. On the second day, Shri Amit Agarwal, Hon’ble MLA of Meerut Cantt, graced the occasion with his presence and officially inaugurated the Mela. His address highlighted the significance of vocational training in driving economic growth and job creation for the youth of Meerut.

The Career Mela, organized as part of the ongoing "Quadrupling GDP of Meerut" project, reflects the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes integrating vocational education into school curricula. The event featured interactive booths, informative sessions and displays showcasing diverse career opportunities across various sectors, providing students and parents with a well-rounded understanding of vocational courses and their future potential. By equipping Meerut’s youth with essential skills, this initiative aims to empower them to contribute meaningfully to the district's economic growth while paving the way for a brighter future.

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Demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting skill development and career awareness among the youth of Meerut, the Kanohar Lal Trust Society and Meerut Institute of Technology successfully organized the second "Career Mela" at Ram Sahay Inter College, Garh Road, Meerut, on 22-23 July 2024. Supported by the Deputy Commissioner (Industries), Meerut, the initiative aimed to equip secondary school students with insights into diverse vocational opportunities and career prospects. The event saw an enthusiastic turnout of over 1,000 students from Ram Sahay Inter College and neighboring schools along with their parents, highlighting the growing recognition of vocational education as a key to future success.

The Career Mela is part of the broader initiative under the "Quadrupling GDP of Meerut" project aligning with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to integrate vocational training at the school level.

The event featured interactive booths, engaging sessions, informative displays showcasing various skills, career pathways and entrepreneurial opportunities across diverse sectors.

The inaugural session on the first day was graced by Shri Rajendra Agrawal, Hon’ble former MP of Meerut, whose words inspired students to embrace skill development as a means to unlock their potential and contribute to the district's growth.

On the second day, Shri Somendra Tomar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Energy, Uttar Pradesh, inaugurated the Mela and emphasized the vital role of skilled youth in driving the region's economic prosperity.

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A meeting with managers and principals of government and private ITIs in Meerut was held on 20 July 2024 at Govt ITI, Saket, Meerut. Presided by Shri Rajendra Agrawal, Chairman of the Steering Committee for Quadrupling Meerut's GDP. 

The meeting focused on leveraging vocational training to boost the local economy.

Key attendees included representatives from various ITIs across the district. The Chairman highlighted the importance of vocational training as identified in the MCF-FISME study, emphasizing its role in enhancing the skills of the local workforce.

Discussion Points

• Skill Gaps - A need for better coordination between students, ITIs and industry.
• Awareness - Students are often unaware of the benefits and government schemes related to vocational courses.
• Challenges – Colleges are facing difficulties in implementing NEP-2020 due to financial and infrastructure constraints.

Proposals

• Promoting Self-Employment - Encouraging students to participate in skill-based courses.
• Collaboration - ITIs and colleges should work together to offer relevant vocational courses.
• Certificate Courses - ITIs should introduce short-term and certificate courses tailored to local industry needs.

The Chairman stressed the potential of Meerut to quadruple its GDP through joint efforts and announced upcoming initiatives, including skill fairs to raise awareness among students and parents.

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A follow-up meeting on the "Quadrupling GDP of Meerut" initiative was held on 22 June 2024 at the MCF Office in Saket, Meerut, Chaired by Shri Rajendra Agrawal, Chairman of the Steering Committee and former Member of Parliament. The meeting was attended by key MCF members including Sh. Dinesh Singhal, Sh. SP Gupta, Sh. Jagesh Kumar, Sh. Girish Kumar, Sh. Deepak Kumar Saxena, Sh. Harsh Goyal and Sh. Sudhanshu Tiwari.

Discussions focused on advancing vocational education, developing industry clusters and publishing a White Paper on Secondary Education. The implementation of NEP-2020, particularly in vocational training was identified as crucial for achieving GDP growth. The need for stronger collaboration between schools / colleges and ITIs was emphasized, alongside the formation of cluster associations to benefit from government programs.

The meeting concluded with plans to engage with ITIs, NABARD, KVIC, SBI and local educational authorities to address these challenges and foster collaboration.

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Description

One of the key findings / action points of the MCF-FISME Study on Quadrupling Meerut GDP was to promote Vocational Training / Skill Development Initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of the local workforce, contributing to economic growth.

At the inaugural Steering Committee Meeting for 'Quadrupling GDP of Meerut' held on 30 December 2023, it was felt that awareness regarding vocational training needs to be built up from Secondary School Level itself. This is also in line with NEP-2020.  Accordingly, it was decided to organize a "Skill Mela" at district level to be preceded by few pilot projects in 3-4 schools to spread awareness of various skills / vocations and future prospects. 

As the first pilot project, MCF along with Kanohar Lal Trust Society & Meerut Institute of Technology successfully organized a “Career Mela” at KK Inter College, Delhi Road, Meerut on 11-12 May 2024 with an aim to provide valuable information to the students about various skills and opportunities.  Approx 1200 students of KK Inter College and nearby colleges along with their parents visited the Mela. The first day was inaugurated by Shri Rajendra Agrawal, Hon’ble MP Meerut and many eminent people like Chairman of Cooperative Bank, UP Shri Yashveer Singh were present. On the second day, the Career Mela was inaugurated by Shri Amit Agarwal, MLA Meerut Cantt.

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A stakeholder’s meeting was held on 24 February 2024 at the MCF’s Saket office to foster dialogue and actionable solutions for the comprehensive development of Meerut's economy with a focus on the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Artificial Jewellery clusters. The session was chaired by Shri Rajendra Agrawal, Hon’ble MP Meerut and Chairman of the Steering Committee for Quadrupling Meerut's GDP with active participation from Shri Amit Agarwal, MLA Meerut Cantt, cluster representatives and other key participants.

The discussions revolved around key challenges and opportunities within these sectors, aiming to strengthen Meerut's economic fabric.  Issues pertaining to these sectors of Meerut, which were discussed during the meeting are as follows: -

Agriculture

• Awareness and Technology Adoption

• Stray Animals and Buffalo Research Centre

• Soil Health and Food Processing

Horticulture

• Food Processing Units

• Compensation for Natural Calamities

• Storage Units

• Polyhouse Farming

• Fox Nut Cultivation

Artificial Jewellery

• Cluster Development

The meeting underscored the need for collaborative efforts between stakeholders and government authorities to address the challenges faced by these clusters. The proposed initiatives aim to bolster productivity, reduce economic vulnerabilities and contribute significantly to Meerut's GDP growth.

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In continuation to Steering Committee Meeting, a meeting for the Industry Working Group was held on February 7, 2024 at Kanohar Electricals, Rithani, Meerut.  The meeting was chaired by Shri Girish Kumar, Chairman Industry Working Group MCF. Key industry leaders, including representatives from PIEMA, Sports and Scissor industries participated in the meeting.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

1. District GDP Expansion.
• A letter from MCF sent to the Hon’ble UP Chief Minister, suggested reforms to rapidly expand district GDP, aiming to contribute to UP's goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy. These include legalizing certain constructions with a marginal penalty and demolishing public land encroachments.
• The group plans to promote these reforms through social media and news platforms.
2. Uniform Questionnaire for Cluster Studies.
• A uniform questionnaire was introduced to standardize data collection for ongoing industry cluster studies. The questionnaire is based on a SIDBI Study Report.
3. Testing Lab for Patromax Cluster.
• The group discussed the need to establish a BIS/CEA-certified testing lab at the Sports Complex in Partapur, Meerut to support the Patromax cluster's export capabilities.
4. MDA-Related Issues.
• The group proposed creating a White Paper addressing complex industry issues like development charges and land use regulations, supported by comparative data from other states.

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In continuation to Steering Committee Meeting, a stakeholders' meeting for the Education Cluster was held on 06 January 2024 at the MCF Office, Saket, Meerut and chaired by Shri Dinesh Singhal, Trustee MCF.
Key attendees included representatives from MIET, MIT, Kanohar Trust and MCF.

The meeting focused on implementing the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with discussions covering the establishment of a Resource Centre, an Advisory Committee and a Vocation Fair in May 2024 for students, parents and teachers. Plans were made to explore vocational courses including Para-Medical courses at LLRM, Meerut and integrating food processing units in the agriculture sector to boost Meerut's GDP.

MIET, MIT and Kanohar Trust were tasked with submitting a report on the action plan including pilot projects and internships.

Description

जनपद मेरठ की जी0डी0पी0 को अगले 4-5 वर्षो में चौगुना करने के लक्ष्य को प्राप्त करने हेतु मेरठ सिटीजन फोरम की उच्च स्तरीय समिति द्वारा अध्ययन उपरान्त एक पुस्तिका को तैयार किया  गया, जिसका विमोचन दिनांक  01 दिसम्बर 2023 को मा0 केन्द्रीय राज्य मंत्री श्री पंकज चैधरी द्वारा किया गया। इसके उपरान्त दिनांक  30 दिसम्बर को उक्त के सम्बन्ध में एक उच्च स्तरीय बैठक का आयोजन मा0 सांसद श्री राजेन्द्र अग्रवाल जी की अध्यक्षता में किया गया। बैठक में मा0 विधायक मेरठ कैन्ट श्री अमित अग्रवाल, जिलाधिकारी मेरठ, उपाध्यक्ष मेरठ विकास प्राधिकरण, मुख्य विकास अधिकारी मेरठ, नगर आयुक्त एवं अपर नगर आयुक्त, नगर निगम मेरठ तथा मेरठ सिटीजन फोरम व फेडरेशन ऑफ इंडिया माइक्रो एवं स्मॉल एण्ड मीडियम एंटरप्राइज (FISME) के प्रतिनिधि द्वारा भाग लिया गया।

बैठक में हुए निर्णय के अनुसार आज दिनांक 03.01.2024 को साकेत स्थित मेरठ सिटीजन फोरम के कार्यालय पर हथकरघा एवं मिनी सिलेन्डर से सम्बन्धित उद्योग के प्रतिनिधियो के साथ मा0 सांसद श्री राजेन्द्र अग्रवाल की अध्यक्षता में एक बैठक हुई।

बैठक में हथकरघा व मिनी सिलेन्डर यूनिट के उद्योगो के प्रतिनिधियों द्वारा निम्न बिन्दुओ पर ध्यान आकर्षित किया गया।

1.  हरकरघा के स्थान पर पावरलूम चल रहे है जबकि पावरलूम उद्योग अधिकृत न होने के कारण उनका रजिस्ट्रेशन एम0एस0एम0ई0 में नही हो पा रहा है। इसके कारण बैंक से लोन, इन्शयोरेन्श आदि की सुविधा भी नही मिल पा रही है।

2.  पावरलूम उद्योग को मेरठ विकास प्राधिकरण द्वारा बनाई गई काॅलोनी मेरठ ध्यानचन्द नगर कालोनी अथवा लोहियानगर में शिफट करने की बात भी कही गयी।

3.   रजिस्ट्रेशन की कार्यवाही कानपुर में होती है, यदि इसका एक कार्यालय मेरठ में भी हो जाए तो रजिस्ट्रेशन में लगने वाले अत्याधिक समय से बचा जा सकेगा।

उपरोक्त के सम्बन्ध में मुख्य विकास अधिकारी तथा मेरठ सिटीजन फोरम से श्री दिनेश सिंघल द्वारा इससे सम्बन्धित सभी उद्योगपतियो से कहा गया कि, वह सभी अपनी समस्याओ को लिखित रूप में उनको दें ताकि समस्याओ का निवारण उच्च स्तर पर कराया जा सके।

बैठक में मा0 विधायक श्री अमित अग्रवाल, मुख्य विकास अधिकारी सुश्री नूपुर गोयल, उपरोक्त उद्योगो से सम्बन्धित श्री मौ0 साजिद सैफी, अध्यक्ष मेरठ पैट्रोमेक्स उद्योग, श्री फरामनुदीन अध्यक्ष मेरठ कैची उद्योग, श्री महमुद अली, श्री मौ0 रजाउददीन एवं मेरठ सिटीजन फोरम के सदस्यो ने भाग लिया। 

                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    मेरठ सिटीजन फोरम

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Discuss Agenda Points

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Launch of ‘Study to Quadruple GDP of Meerut by 2027’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clarion call to the nation to plan and work towards making India a developed country by 2047. In sync with the vision of PM, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath has also set a target to make the state a $1 trillion economy by 2027. He also called Districts to prepare their development plans in the direction.

Meerut Citizen Forum (MCF) took the initiative to commission a first of its kind study to develop the growth potential and plan for Meerut District. The study was conducted with Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) and was conducted by former Senior Advisor Shri M.C. Singhi (IES).  The initiative was actively supported by political leadership of the District especially by Shri Rajendra Agrawal (MP) and Shri Amit Agarwal as well as by the District Administration namely Shri Deepak Meena (DM, Meerut). 

The Study examines the state of the economy of Meerut vis-a-vis other districts in the state. It identifies the existing and potential growth drivers of the district’s economy. During the study interactions were organized with representatives of 12 manufacturing clusters and 6 services clusters in Meerut. Besides the business issues, the study examined the critical role played by agencies such as MDA & Municipality, Police, Education and Judiciary.

The study concludes that within four years, it is feasible to quadruple the GDP of Meerut. It explains how the additional growth could be generated through investments, relocation of labour, women participation, education etc. Finally, the study proposes a series of reforms that are needed to realize the rapid economic growth of Meerut.

On 1st Dec 2023, Union Minister of State for Finance is to release the study. During the event, besides Shri Rajendra Agrawal, MP (Meerut) the other dignitaries who are to attend include Shri Amit Agarwal, Hon’ble MLA (Meerut Cantt), Shri Harikant Ahluwalia (Mayor, Meerut), Shri Deepak Meena, DM (Meerut), Shri M.C. Singhi (IES), New Delhi and Shri Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General, FISME (New Delhi).

Description

Plans are afoot to increase GDP of Meerut from Rs. 67 thousand crore estimated for 2023-24 to Rs. two lac crore by 2029-30.

A first of its kind study in India at district level conducted by M.C. Singhi, former Senior Economic Advisor to Govt of India, reports that such rapid growth is feasible and is line with ambition of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath to make UP $ one trillion economy by 2027.

The preliminary findings of the study were presented to the district administration for discussions in a high profile meeting held today at Meerut Collectorate which was chaired by District Magistrate Deepak Meena. Senior officials from all government departments attended the meeting including that from MDA, Municipality, DIC, Agriculture etc.Instead of top down investment led growth, the study has proposed a bottom-up District led growth model which is based on achieving growth impetus from ‘freeing-up’;‘accelerating’ local growth drivers in Agriculture, Industrial & Services segments in Meerut.

According to the study, the additional 6 to 7% growth could be mobilized through Incremental Capital Output Ration (2.7 %) by ensuring realization of committed investment Rs. 10,000 cr for districts materializes; Labour participation & Institutional investment (1 %), Greater participation of women with improved law & order and skills training (2 %), Labour relocation with migration from Agriculture through expansion of industry/ services & skills training and Institutional Improvement (1%).

For this additional growth to materialize, the study proposes a slew of administrative improvements and reforms to improve ‘Ease of doing business’ and institutional delivery by establishing Govt-Civil society partnership,“The lowest hanging fruit is accelerating GDP by facilitating higher women participation in workforce. which could be achieved by inducing trust in law and order and ensuring safety of women in street”, says Singhi.

The study identified 14 industrial and 6 services segments that dominate the economy of Meerut. The industrial clusters include: Sports Goods, Scissors Industry, Textile Weaving Industry, Brass Band Industry, Leather Industry, Textile Printing & Processing Industry,Handicrafts, Print; Publishing Industry, Electronic Switch gear, Gems; Jewellery, Food Processing Industry, Meerut Power loom Cluster, Auto parts industry of Meerut and Khadi; Textiles Wavers.

The services segments identified are: Construction Advisers; Contractors, Doctors;Health Clinics, Education, Professionals, Tourist Aggregators and Street Hawkers/Eating Joints.

To coordinate and oversee the implementation of plan, a committee under chairmanship of District magistrate is also proposed.

The outcome of the discussion is to be incorporated in the final study to be released by end of June.

The study has been commissioned by Meerut Citizen Forum in association with Federation of Indian Micro and Small; Medium Enterprises (FISME).

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6th December 2022: Meeting with with representatives (Shri. Puneet Agarwal and Shri. Sushil Kumar Sharma) from MIET (Meerut Instiute of Engineering & Technology) and shri. Sudhir Kumar Sharma from MSM (Meerut School of Management)

11th December 2022: Meeting held with Shri. Atul Gupta from Apex Builders to discuss about the constraints and opportunities in the Construction industry in Meerut.

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4th December 2022 : Meeting with representatives from Scissors, Brass Band and Handloom clusters to take inputs about the challenges and how these could be addressed to promote growth.

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Initial Stakeholder meeting was held on Thursday, 20th October 2021 at Meerut Citizens Forum office. The agenda of the meeting was to conceptualize strategy for quadrupling the GDP of Meerut city. Presentation by Mr. Manak Chand Singhi was followed by Panel discussion among the members present. The panel comprised of representatives of Industrial Associations, Representatives from Education and Health sectors, Meerut Architectural Association and FISME (Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises). Shri. Rajendra Agrawal, Member of Parliament from the Meerut constituency and Amit Agarwal, MLA from Meerut Cantt were also present on the occasion. Mr. Manak Chand Singhi presented broad framework for study. The presentation outlined briefly the aspects of the study such as Objectives, Methodology, Approach, Strength and Opportunities and expected outcomes of the study.

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