In a bid to boost investment and economic development, the Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has introduced a new directive that ties District Magistrates' (DMs) investment efforts to their Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs). Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh announced the decision on Friday, detailing that DMs and Commissioners are now required to report their actions aimed at attracting investments within their districts.

"The evaluation will also consider efforts made regarding investor security, amenities, and convenience, thereby promoting ease of doing business," Singh explained. The new assessment will look at officials’ success in allocating land to entrepreneurs, providing land subsidies, making land use changes, obtaining clearances and consistently monitoring land banks. “This setup will ensure that officials fulfill their roles responsibly to attract and encourage investment in the districts,” he added. High-performing DMs, particularly those who attract significant investments, will receive enhanced grading and special recognition.

Singh emphasised, "Their performance will be assessed based on their efforts to attract investment and improve the credit-deposit (CD) ratio during their tenure. The report will include detailed information about the steps taken, investment efforts, and improvements in the CD ratio.” He added that the new approach, set for implementation within the next 2-3 weeks, aims to boost accountability and incentivise officials to expedite development.

The Chief Secretary also highlighted that increased investment would accelerate economic activity and create employment opportunities for youth. He shared that UP’s Credit Deposit (CD) Ratio rose from 47% in 2017 to 60.32% by the 2023-24 financial year, a sign of economic growth. "The government is aiming for a 65% CD ratio target by the end of the current financial year. The increase in this ratio indicates economic stability and a favourable investment environment in the state," he said.

He further identified Sambhal, Amroha, Badaun, Rampur, Kasganj, Etah, and Moradabad as districts with the highest CD ratios. Conversely, Unnao, Balrampur, and Shravasti report lower CD ratios. Special initiatives will focus on bolstering these areas. "DMs and Commissioners will be informed of their district's CD ratio every April, allowing them to enhance their efforts to attract investment," Singh noted, underscoring the dual aim of investment attraction and enhancing officials' role in the state's development trajectory.