News / Author / Umesh Raghuvanshi

Umesh Raghuvanshi

Umesh Raghuvanshi is a journalist with over three decade experience. He covers politics, finance, environment and social issues. He has covered all assembly and parliament elections in Uttar Pradesh since 1984.

Articles by Umesh Raghuvanshi

Rahul’s Rae Bareli message sets 2027 template for party workers

Rahul Gandhi reminded the party workers in Rae Bareli of the speech he delivered at the Congress Working Committee meeting at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on April 8.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai said Rahul Gandhi has shown the way to the party men.(ANI)

Lucknow

Published on May 05, 2025 04:00 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Cong to revive its OBC department in U.P. soon

The grand old party is in the process of working out programmes to take the party’s social justice agenda to the people

The Congress Working Committee, at its meeting held in New Delhi on Friday, adopted a resolution demanding quota in private educational institutions. (For representation only)

Lucknow

Published on May 04, 2025 06:00 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

U.P. IAS cadre’s declining number at Centre a cause of concern, feel officers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest IAS cadre in the country with authorised strength of around 620 officers

UP IAS cadre once dominated the Centre and many cabinet secretaries were from the state. (For Representation)

Lucknow

Updated on May 02, 2025 10:43 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Entire oppn with govt after Pahalgam attack: Rahul in Rae Bareli

Rahul Gandhi expressed opposition support for government action post-Pahalgam terror attack, urging a parliamentary session and emphasizing Congress's revamp in UP and Bihar.

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visits the Modern Coach Factory, in Rae Bareli on Tuesday. (Rahul Gandhi-X/ANI)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 30, 2025 08:50 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Rae Bareli

A poll promise that Rae Bareli MP will keep with his Amethi visit

One of the promises Rahul Gandhi made in the 2024 general election was that he will give equal treatment to both the Lok Sabha constituencies

Rahul Gandhi proposes to visit Amethi on April 30 after winding up his visit to Rae Bareli. (HT file)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 29, 2025 05:02 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Akhilesh’S 2027 alliance hint: Congress leaders welcome move, party workers in Catch-22 situation

The SP emerged as the single largest party in the state with 37 Lok Sabha seats relegating the BJP to the second position with 33 seats.

Lucknow

Published on Apr 24, 2025 05:20 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

U.P. govt says 80% of its total annual budget used in 2024-25

Though a break-up of the state government’s utilisation of funds in 2024-2025 is still being worked out, initial estimates indicate 68-70 per cent of funds meant for capital expenditure and 80-85 per cent earmarked for revenue expenditure have been used.

Lucknow

Published on Apr 23, 2025 05:16 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Single-window clearances: Nivesh Mitra set for reform as new law proposed

The new law is likely to help the state government provide an industry and investor-friendly environment in Uttar Pradesh

Under the proposed law, the U.P. government may set timelines for various departments/agencies to clear the investment proposals of the investors. (For Representation)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 18, 2025 09:54 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

U.P. govt ready with investment, CD ratio reports to assess works of DCs, DMs

This is the first time that the state government will evaluate the performance of top civil servants based on their ability to attract investment, create jobs and disbursal of loans

The officers will write self-appraisals factoring efforts to woo investment, creation of jobs and increase CD ratio in their respective districts and divisions in coming weeks. (For Representation)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 18, 2025 09:15 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Amid resentment, amendments to Cong list of dist, city chiefs in U.P. likely

Those aware of the development said that the party is working on complaints about the changes made in the list of District Congress Committee (DCC) and City Congress Committee presidents announced on March 20, 2025.

The party leadership may go for a rethink, and amendments to the list in the coming days cannot be ruled out. (For representation only) (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 17, 2025 09:34 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

IMMOVABLE PROPERTY RETURNS: Non-compliance by Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS, IPS officers declining

Only one on the list of 542 IAS and five on the list of 445 IPS officers of the U.P. cadre have not filed their IPRs as indicated on January 1, 2025

Only one on the list of 542 IAS and five on the list of 445 IPS officers of Uttar Pradesh cadre have not filed their IPRs as indicated on January 1, 2025. (FOR REPRESENTATION)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 13, 2025 05:52 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Ground Breaking Ceremony-5: Uttar Pradesh govt steps up efforts to implement more investment proposals

State govt has worked out 2387 proposals involving investment of ₹1.74 lakh crore for implementation at GBC-5 and is planning to bring more to ground

The Uttar Pradesh government has held four Ground Breaking Ceremonies since 2018. (FILE PHOTO)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 12, 2025 06:04 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

U.P. mulls another ground breaking ceremony, investors’ summit

State govt also proposes to hold road shows in major cities in India and abroad to market its policies, offering incentives to investors

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has asserted that the state government will achieve the trillion-dollar economy target by 2029. (For representation only)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 11, 2025 05:08 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Invest UP in for revamp, likely to have offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru

State govt proposes to set up industry chasing cell that will be the nodal agency for attracting mega investment and single contact point for getting all approvals

Invest UP was set up in August 2020, replacing Udyog Bandhu which then worked as a government agency to connect with and ease the problems of investors. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 10, 2025 05:58 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh government reiterates directives, asks officers to take public representatives’ letters ‘seriously’

The order has been sent to all the additional chief secretaries/principal secretaries/secretaries, DGP, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and district police chiefs.

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued at least eight Government Orders in the past four years, asking senior officers to receive and respond to phone calls of MPs and legislators. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 10, 2025 05:16 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Cong to focus on setting up state executive after Ahmedabad meet

The Congress has already constituted the district units. The 100-day timeline requires the party to set up the new state executive body by the end of April.

The new DCC presidents would be imparted training in booth management, voter list verification and ideological issues, those aware of the development said. (For representation only)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 06, 2025 05:52 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Suspended Invest UP CEO faces five probes, inquiry officer to be appointed

The probes include two disciplinary inquiries and investigations by the police, the vigilance establishment and the Enforcement Directorate.

The inquiries will cover different aspects. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE )

Lucknow

Published on Apr 04, 2025 07:48 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Urdu Uttar Pradesh’s 2nd official language, but few takers for its proficiency exam

Urdu proficiency exam in UP sees dwindling interest, with only 5 candidates in 2024, leading to budget surrenders by the state government.

The state language department has surrendered <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1.05 lakh against the budgetary provision of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2.50 lakh made for conducting the examination in 2024-2025. It had surrendered <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1.41 lakh of the budgeted sum of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2.50 lakh in 2023-2024. (FOR REPRESENTATION)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 30, 2025 05:44 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Govt connecting dots before serving charge sheet on suspended IAS

The state government will also soon appoint an inquiry officer to probe the charges given to him in the charge sheet and action, if recommended by the inquiry officer, would be taken against him thereafter.

The state government has decided to order a vigilance probe against Abhishek Prakash (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 28, 2025 05:44 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

E-governance set to get AI push in UP

Amid efforts to implement the e-office system at every level of governance, the state government has begun imparting training in AI to its officers and other staff.

Lucknow

Published on Mar 26, 2025 09:10 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

UP has emerged as growth engine of India’s economy, says Yogi

Changed perception about UP outcome of with team spirit, good faith and honest commitment; UP has transformed from a deficit economy into a revenue-surplus state, says CM on completion of eight years in office

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath holds a press conference in the state capital on Monday. Also seen are state BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary and deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya. (Deepak Gupta/HT Photo)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 25, 2025 07:46 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi

UP’s tale of transformation: From a BIMARU state to one with $ 1 trillion economy target

As the Yogi govt is set to complete 8 years in office, Uttar Pradesh’s GSDP has more than doubled from ₹12.75 lakh crore in 2016-2017 and is expected to reach ₹27.50 lakh crore this year

ttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. (HT file)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 24, 2025 05:18 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Suspended Invest UP CEO: More skeletons likely to tumble out as govt decides vigilance probe

Besides holding the charge as Invest UP CEO, Abhishek Prakash was also working as secretary infrastructure and industrial development to the state government

Lucknow

Published on Mar 21, 2025 09:36 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Much-awaited revamp: Cong’s new U.P. team likely soon

An indication in this regard has come after discussions the party had on the issue at a meeting that All-India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Khare convened in New Delhi

The Congress’s move has raised hopes among the party’s senior leaders who otherwise were feeling sidelined. (For Representation)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 19, 2025 05:08 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

U.P. govt asks depts to expedite use of funds before end of fiscal

Yogi directs chief secy, ACS finance to review situation; efforts on to narrow down gap between budgetary estimates and actual expenditure

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has given fresh directives to various departments to expedite the use of funds and ensure an improvement in the situation (HT File Photo)

Other Cities

Published on Mar 18, 2025 05:22 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow:

Defunct for decades, U.P. assembly revives its standing committees

The aim of the move is to increase people’s participation in governance through public representatives; 30 standing committees constituted to advise ministers

Ministers have been asked to ensure that all standing committees meet before March 31. (HT File)

Other Cities

Published on Mar 09, 2025 05:48 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow:

Hathras Stampede: Judicial panel points out crowd management lapses

Possibility of criminal conspiracy may not be ruled out, says judicial commission and observes ‘sevadars’ and organisers tried to cover up and fled

The incident took place on July 2, 2024 at Fulrai Mughalgarhi village under the Sikandararau police station of Hathras district (HT File Photo)

Other Cities

Published on Mar 06, 2025 05:36 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow:

Judicial panel probing Hathras stampede blames admin, not ‘Bhole Baba’

The 1,670-page report tabled by the state government rejected the theory floated by Baba's lawyers that unidentified men sprayed toxic gas led to the stampede

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inspects the site of a stampede in which over 120 people were killed during a religious event, in Hathras. (HT PHOTO)

India News

Updated on Mar 06, 2025 05:05 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi

Action will be taken if officers ignore calls of MLAs, MLCs: UP govt

Assembly speaker Satish Mahana, meanwhile, said that he has asked MLAs to bring proof of officers ignoring their calls to initiate action.

India News

Published on Mar 02, 2025 06:34 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Despite 8 GOs, lawmakers say officers not taking their calls

Despite multiple GOs mandating officers to respond to public representatives' calls, complaints persist, prompting potential disciplinary actions from the state government.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a note of the violation of government’s instructions, and the GOs have been issued to reiterate them. (FOR REPRESENTATION)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 02, 2025 05:06 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Copy

Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin

Umesh Raghuvanshi

Umesh Raghuvanshi is a journalist with over three decade experience. He covers politics, finance, environment and social issues. He has covered all assembly and parliament elections in Uttar Pradesh since 1984.

Rahul Gandhi reminded the party workers in Rae Bareli of the speech he delivered at the Congress Working Committee meeting at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on April 8.

The grand old party is in the process of working out programmes to take the party’s social justice agenda to the people

Uttar Pradesh has the largest IAS cadre in the country with authorised strength of around 620 officers

Rahul Gandhi expressed opposition support for government action post-Pahalgam terror attack, urging a parliamentary session and emphasizing Congress's revamp in UP and Bihar.

One of the promises Rahul Gandhi made in the 2024 general election was that he will give equal treatment to both the Lok Sabha constituencies

The SP emerged as the single largest party in the state with 37 Lok Sabha seats relegating the BJP to the second position with 33 seats.

Though a break-up of the state government’s utilisation of funds in 2024-2025 is still being worked out, initial estimates indicate 68-70 per cent of funds meant for capital expenditure and 80-85 per cent earmarked for revenue expenditure have been used.

The new law is likely to help the state government provide an industry and investor-friendly environment in Uttar Pradesh

This is the first time that the state government will evaluate the performance of top civil servants based on their ability to attract investment, create jobs and disbursal of loans

Those aware of the development said that the party is working on complaints about the changes made in the list of District Congress Committee (DCC) and City Congress Committee presidents announced on March 20, 2025.

Only one on the list of 542 IAS and five on the list of 445 IPS officers of the U.P. cadre have not filed their IPRs as indicated on January 1, 2025

State govt has worked out 2387 proposals involving investment of ₹1.74 lakh crore for implementation at GBC-5 and is planning to bring more to ground

State govt also proposes to hold road shows in major cities in India and abroad to market its policies, offering incentives to investors

State govt proposes to set up industry chasing cell that will be the nodal agency for attracting mega investment and single contact point for getting all approvals

The order has been sent to all the additional chief secretaries/principal secretaries/secretaries, DGP, divisional commissioners, district magistrates and district police chiefs.

The Congress has already constituted the district units. The 100-day timeline requires the party to set up the new state executive body by the end of April.

The probes include two disciplinary inquiries and investigations by the police, the vigilance establishment and the Enforcement Directorate.

Urdu proficiency exam in UP sees dwindling interest, with only 5 candidates in 2024, leading to budget surrenders by the state government.

The state government will also soon appoint an inquiry officer to probe the charges given to him in the charge sheet and action, if recommended by the inquiry officer, would be taken against him thereafter.

Amid efforts to implement the e-office system at every level of governance, the state government has begun imparting training in AI to its officers and other staff.

Changed perception about UP outcome of with team spirit, good faith and honest commitment; UP has transformed from a deficit economy into a revenue-surplus state, says CM on completion of eight years in office

As the Yogi govt is set to complete 8 years in office, Uttar Pradesh’s GSDP has more than doubled from ₹12.75 lakh crore in 2016-2017 and is expected to reach ₹27.50 lakh crore this year

Besides holding the charge as Invest UP CEO, Abhishek Prakash was also working as secretary infrastructure and industrial development to the state government

An indication in this regard has come after discussions the party had on the issue at a meeting that All-India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Khare convened in New Delhi

Yogi directs chief secy, ACS finance to review situation; efforts on to narrow down gap between budgetary estimates and actual expenditure

The aim of the move is to increase people’s participation in governance through public representatives; 30 standing committees constituted to advise ministers

Possibility of criminal conspiracy may not be ruled out, says judicial commission and observes ‘sevadars’ and organisers tried to cover up and fled

The 1,670-page report tabled by the state government rejected the theory floated by Baba's lawyers that unidentified men sprayed toxic gas led to the stampede

Assembly speaker Satish Mahana, meanwhile, said that he has asked MLAs to bring proof of officers ignoring their calls to initiate action.

Despite multiple GOs mandating officers to respond to public representatives' calls, complaints persist, prompting potential disciplinary actions from the state government.

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like