Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented the state’s largest-ever budget, amounting to Rs 8,08,736.6 crore for the fiscal year 2025–2026, in the Assembly. The budget prioritizes social welfare, education, technology, and infrastructure, aiming to accelerate economic growth and job creation across the state.
Key Budget Allocations
- Development Projects: 22% of the total budget
- Education: 13% allocation
- Agriculture & Allied Services: 11% allocation
- Healthcare: 6% allocation
Finance Minister Suresh Khanna emphasized that the budget will drive infrastructure development and employment opportunities. He highlighted advancements in electricity supply and law and order, attributing the rise in investor confidence to transparent digital platforms such as Nivesh Saarthi, Nivesh Mitra, and the Online Incentive Benefit Management System.
Urban Development and Infrastructure
- 58 towns will be developed into smart cities.
- Four new expressways will be constructed, improving connectivity and economic activities.
- Ayodhya to become a Solar City, promoting renewable energy initiatives.
- Expansion of rural road projects to enhance connectivity in remote areas.
Investment in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
To establish Uttar Pradesh as a technological hub, the budget includes:
- Development of an Artificial Intelligence City.
- Establishment of a Center of Excellence for AI.
- Creation of a Technology Research Translation Park focused on cybersecurity.
- Renovation of existing institutions and construction of a Science City, Science Park, and Planetarium.
Education Reforms
- Smart classes and digital libraries to be introduced in government polytechnics.
- Expansion of Atal Residential Schools to accommodate 1,000 students.
- Meritorious female students to receive scooties to facilitate higher education.
- Establishment of Mahatma Buddha University of Agriculture and Technology in Kushinagar.
Youth, Startups, and Employment
- A Startup Innovation Fund to foster entrepreneurship.
- Rs 100 crore allocated for Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan.
- 58 municipal bodies to be transformed into smart municipal bodies.
- Establishment of worker/labor bases with essential amenities.
Energy and Environment
- Solar energy projects to be set up in Jalaun and Jhansi.
- Implementation of a Pump Storage Hydroelectric Project to boost renewable energy.
- Way-side amenities to be developed along national highways for better tourist experiences.
Healthcare and Welfare Schemes
- Autonomous State Medical Colleges to be established in Ballia and Balrampur.
- Rs 1,050 crore for the Farmer Welfare Fund to assist farmers in case of accidents or disabilities.
- Rs 550 crore allocated for the Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme to support marriages across all categories.
- Rs 2,980 crore for pensions under the Destitute Women Pension Scheme.
- Rs 700 crore for the Kanya Sumangala Scheme supporting girl child development.
- Rs 1,424 crore for the Disabled Maintenance Grant Scheme.
Women Empowerment and Social Welfare
- 34 crore man-days to be generated under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.
- Rs 971 crore for additional honorariums to Anganwadi workers.
- Rs 170 crore for women’s hostels, ensuring safe accommodation for working women.
- Two free LPG cylinders under Ujjwala Yojana for eligible families.
Cultural and Tourism Development
- Science parks, science cities, and planetariums to be developed to promote tourism.
- Construction of new courts and improved road transport facilities.
- Major preparations for Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, a once-in-144-years event.
Financial Services and Economic Growth
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath aims to transform Uttar Pradesh into a $1 trillion economy, with a sector-wise action plan focusing on:
- Financial Services
- Information Technology
- Healthcare
- Education
- Tourism
- Infrastructure
- Industries
- Urban Development
A Step Towards Growth
Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, while presenting the budget, described it as a significant step towards social welfare and economic development. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for Uttar Pradesh’s remarkable progress in law and order, industrial development, poverty alleviation, and financial inclusion.
With the largest budget in Uttar Pradesh’s history, the government aims to transform the state into an investment-friendly, technology-driven, and socially inclusive economy.
Future Projections and Revenue Sources
- State’s revenue receipts estimated at Rs 7,55,017.49 crore.
- Tax revenue stands at Rs 4,91,755.02 crore, including GST, excise, and stamp duties.
- Fiscal deficit expected at 3.48% of the state’s GDP.
- Capital expenditure at Rs 1,69,934.44 crore, ensuring long-term infrastructure development.
- Rs 24,246 crore allocated for state highways and expressways.
