From stagnation to progress: Transformation of Purvanchal and revival of Bhadohi’s carpet industry

Uttar Pradesh’s Purvanchal region and Bhadohi’s carpet industry have witnessed significant growth since 2017, driven by infrastructure development, improved connectivity, the ODOP scheme and rising carpet exports under the Yogi Adityanath government.

Written by Piyush Kumar Baranwal

The year 2017 marks a decisive turning point in the political and socio-economic history of Uttar Pradesh. Before 2017, Purvanchal was seen as a neglected, backward region, beset with problems and marked by a complete lack of government will. The very mention of Purvanchal brought to mind dilapidated roads, villages and towns plunged into darkness, unchecked crime and stagnant economic activity. The region's traditional industries, particularly Bhadohi's world-famous carpet industry, paid the heaviest price for a lack of basic facilities and administrative apathy. Bhadohi, which once established India's prominence on the global stage through its weaving skills and silk and woolen carpets, had reached the brink of collapse before 2017. However, after 2017, the state government's firm political will, swift decision-making, and development-oriented vision under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath brought about a 360-degree transformation in the landscape of Purvanchal and Bhadohi.

Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh suffered from administrative failure and policy paralysis. Mafia rule and organized crime peaked in Purvanchal. Criminals and strongmen wielded such influence that not only new investors but even local traders and industrialists were compelled to migrate. Extortion, kidnapping and threats had become commonplace in industrial areas such as Bhadohi, Varanasi and Mirzapur. In addition, dilapidated roads, poor connectivity, and a lack of infrastructure made the situation even more alarming. Purvanchal lacked a modern expressway or robust highway network to connect it to the country's major markets and ports. Roads had turned into potholes, drastically increasing freight costs and transit time. This was a major setback for the export-oriented carpet industry, as foreign buyers began to withdraw because of delivery delays. The power crisis further compounded the problem. Factories had to rely on expensive diesel generators to operate, pushing production costs so high that Bhadohi's carpet industry began to lose competitiveness in the international market.

Bhadohi is known as the 'Carpet City', where centuries-old weaving traditions and weavers' exceptional craftsmanship breathe life into its lanes. However, government indifference before 2017 pushed this industry into darkness. Without marketing and infrastructure, weavers and exporters had no modern platform to showcase their products to foreign buyers. Discouraged by rising raw material prices and the absence of fair wages, artisans and weavers who had kept this art alive for generations were compelled to migrate to other states in search of daily-wage work. The situation was distressing and alarming.

After assuming office, the Yogi government resolved to revive Purvanchal with the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. The government made it clear that Purvanchal would not remain merely an electoral issue but would become a key part of Uttar Pradesh's economic engine. First, under the Yogi government's 'zero tolerance' policy, Purvanchal was freed from mafia influence. Improved law and order restored traders' confidence, and Purvanchal, once known for crime, became a new center for safe investment. Later, historic infrastructure projects such as the Purvanchal Expressway transformed the region's geography and economy. The expansion of the international airport in Varanasi and the development of waterways made port access easier for exporters from Bhadohi. With uninterrupted power supply ensured from rural areas to industrial clusters, production costs declined and looms that had fallen silent began operating again.

The 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) scheme launched by the Yogi government proved to be a lifeline for Bhadohi's carpet industry. The government not only promoted Bhadohi carpets as a strong brand but also provided financial assistance, modern toolkits and global marketing platforms. This claim of change is not limited to words; official figures clearly testify to it. In the financial year 2017-17, Uttar Pradesh's total merchandise exports stood at just Rs 84,076 crore, growing at an average annual rate of only 4.1 percent during the preceding 2012-17 tenure. However, driven by the Yogi government's development-oriented policies, exports rose to Rs 1,83,920 crore in the financial year 2014-25, reflecting unprecedented growth of 75.6 percent compared to 2016-17. Today, this figure has crossed Rs 2 lakh crore.

On the carpet export front, Bhadohi has once again established its historic dominance. In the financial year 2024-25, Uttar Pradesh's total carpet exports stood at Rs 5,667 crore, of which Bhadohi alone accounted for Rs 4,022 crore. This represents 71.0 percent of the state's total carpet exports. If the entire carpet cluster of Bhadohi, Mirzapur and Varanasi is considered, exports reach Rs 4,960 crore, accounting for 87.5 percent of Uttar Pradesh's total carpet exports. The most humane and heartening aspect of this revival is that Bhadohi's carpet sector today provides direct and indirect employment to around five lakh workers, artisans and weavers, ensuring their security and dignity and bringing migration to a complete halt.

Furthermore, to bring infrastructure up to global standards, the Yogi government expedited the completion of the construction of the massive 'Carpet Expo Mart' spread over 7.5 acres in Bhadohi and inaugurated it on December 31, 2020. This has enabled international buyers to visit Bhadohi directly and conduct business deals. The 50th India Carpet Expo, which began on Sunday, drew 250 exhibitors and more than 450 foreign buyers from 65 countries, including BRICS nations, reaffirming Bhadohi's global standing.

In brief, Purvanchal, once synonymous with despair, darkness, and neglect before 2017, has emerged as a key driver of Uttar Pradesh's development. Bhadohi's carpet industry is living proof that if the government's intent is clear, the leadership has the will, and policies are development-oriented, even struggling industries can be given global recognition. The end of mafia rule, the infrastructure revolution, and the substantial growth reflected in the figures establish that, during the Yogi government's tenure, Purvanchal has left behind the dark chapter of neglect and entered a golden era of prosperity and self-reliance.

(Piyush Kumar Baranwal is a member of the Carpet Export Promotion Council. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Zee News.)

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