Akhilesh Yadav talks of 'sustainable' development model on I-Day

LUCKNOW: The 70th Independence Day was today celebrated with fervour and gaiety across Uttar Pradesh even as Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav called for a "sustainable" model for all-round development of the state.

Addressing the gathering after the flag-hoisting ceremony at Vidhan Bhawan here, Yadav said the country and the state have achieved "new aspects" of success in every sector.

He, however, said the journey was not complete till basic amenities were provided equally among all the sections of the society.

"This is the reason the SP government is working on a balanced and sustainable model so that the interests of all are looked after," he said.

Emphasising on accelerating the growth rate to provide employment to the youth and achieve poverty alleviation, Yadav said the benefits of development should reach the poor, Dalits, farmers, workers, women, minorities and other backward sections of the society.

Congratulating the people on the occasion, he said the country's freedom struggle had started from Uttar Pradesh in 1857.

Remembering the martyrs who laid down their lives for freedom, Yadav said the country has progressed a lot since Independence but the state's "target of development" could only be achieved when it marched ahead on the path of prosperity.