Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna in the Assembly, lays out an expansive and inclusive development roadmap with strong emphasis on women empowerment, rural transformation, technology-led growth, green energy and employment generation. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the budget reflects the government’s intent to combine social welfare with economic expansion, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a self-reliant, technology-driven and inclusive growth engine.
A major highlight of the budget is the significant push to women-led entrepreneurship under the flagship “Lakhpati Didi” campaign. To accelerate this mission, the government has proposed a ₹200 crore allocation under the Uttar Pradesh Mahila Udyami Credit Card Scheme. The scheme aims to provide women associated with self-help groups easy, interest-free and phased financial assistance to establish small enterprises. By reducing dependence on informal loans and empowering women as entrepreneurs, the government seeks to ensure sustainable income growth for rural households.
To strengthen market access for products made by women entrepreneurs, an additional ₹100 crore has been proposed under the Chief Minister Women Entrepreneur Product Marketing Scheme. Under this initiative, showrooms and retail outlets will be taken on rent for three years at prominent locations such as railway stations, bus terminals, airports and major markets. These outlets will be fully operated by women, with the government bearing rental costs during the initial period. Thereafter, self-help groups and women entrepreneurs will independently manage operations, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Beyond women empowerment, the budget places strong focus on information technology and electronics, with a proposed allocation of ₹2,059 crore, marking a massive 76% increase compared to 2025-26. The government announced the launch of the Uttar Pradesh AI Mission, supported by a ₹225 crore provision, along with the establishment of AI labs in 49 ITIs under the India AI Mission. Additional funds have been earmarked for AI Centres of Excellence, Indian AI Data Labs and a Cyber Security Operations Centre, reflecting the state’s ambition to become a hub of advanced digital technology.
Uttar Pradesh’s growing stature in the digital economy is also evident in the data centre sector. The budget outlines a plan to develop eight data centre parks with a capacity target of 900 MW, backed by an estimated ₹30,000 crore investment. Letters of comfort have already been issued to eight projects involving investments worth over ₹21,000 crore. The state continues to lead the country in mobile phone manufacturing, accounting for 65% of India’s production, while electronics exports have reached ₹44,744 crore, reinforcing its leadership in manufacturing and startups.
The green energy sector has received a major boost, with a provision of ₹2,104 crore, more than double the previous year’s allocation. Under solar, bio-energy and green hydrogen policies, the state has set a target of 22,000 MW generation over five years. Schemes such as PM Kusum, solar cities, installation of solar street lights and the development of CBG plants underline the government’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy.
Rural development remains a cornerstone of the budget, with a total proposed outlay of ₹25,500 crore. Significant allocations have been made for the National Rural Livelihood Mission, rural housing schemes and village connectivity. Under PM Awas Yojana (Gramin), over 36 lakh houses have already been completed, while additional funds will accelerate completion of remaining units. Investments in rural roads, digital libraries, sports infrastructure and multipurpose Panchayat buildings aim to improve quality of life and local governance at the grassroots level.
Agriculture and allied sectors continue to receive priority, with ₹10,888 crore allocated for agriculture schemes, around 20% higher than last year. The budget supports solar pumps, uninterrupted power supply to tubewells, horticulture, food processing, dairy development, fisheries and livestock welfare. Notably, ₹2,000 crore has been earmarked for the maintenance of stray cattle, along with provisions for veterinary infrastructure and mobile veterinary units.
The budget also focuses on MSMEs, textiles and traditional industries, proposing ₹3,822 crore for MSMEs and ₹5,041 crore for the textile sector, with targets for new jobs and mega textile parks. Youth entrepreneurship is being promoted through schemes such as the Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan.
Overall, the Budget 2026-27 presents a comprehensive vision that blends women empowerment, rural prosperity, technological advancement and environmental sustainability. With the strengthened “Lakhpati Didi” campaign at its heart, the Yogi government aims to ensure that growth is inclusive, grassroots-oriented and resilient, driving Uttar Pradesh steadily towards economic leadership and social transformation.
