The Yogi Adityanath government, on Thursday, presented a Rs 8.08 lakh crore-Budget for the financial year 2025-26, the largest in the history of Uttar Pradesh.
Finance Minister Suresh Khanna who tabled the Budget, described it as a significant step toward the state’s economic growth and social welfare.
Highlighting its importance, the finance minister said, “This Budget is 9.8 per cent higher than the 2024-25 Budget, and it will accelerate Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth. The Budget has been designed with a focus on strengthening the state’s economy, boosting industrial development, and creating employment opportunities.â€
He said the government was committed to propelling Uttar Pradesh towards becoming a $1-trillion-economy, aligning with its vision of rapid economic progress.
The government has allocated 22 per cent of the Budget for infrastructure development, 13 per cent for education, 11 per cent for agriculture and allied services, 6 per cent for healthcare and 4 per cent for social security programmes. The capital outlay is about 20.5 per cent of the total Budget.
To strengthen basic infrastructure, 22 per cent of the Budget will be used for road construction, industrial expansion, transport improvements and attracting investments.
For education, 13 per cent of the Budget is proposed to be allocated for enhancing learning facilities. It proposes to set up ICT labs and smart classes in primary and higher secondary schools, along with digital libraries and smart classrooms in government polytechnics/colleges. Special schemes have also been proposed to promote research and development in the state.
The government has also proposed several new initiatives in the Budget to transform UP into a technology hub. A key highlight is the establishment of an ‘Artificial Intelligence City’, which aims to position the state as a centre for technological innovation.
Additionally, a Technology Research Translation Park focused on cyber security will be set up to enhance digital security. The Budget also includes a proposal for a Centre of Excellence to promote advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
To boost science and research, the government has outlined plans for the establishment of Science City, Science Parks and planetariums, along with the renovation of old institutions. Special emphasis will be placed on providing modern scientific facilities for students, and fostering innovation and research in the state.
During the session, the finance minister mentioned that 58 urban bodies in Uttar Pradesh will be developed as ‘Model Smart Urban Bodies’, with each receiving Rs 2.50 crore, totalling Rs 145 crore. These cities will be equipped with modern facilities, technological innovations and improved sanitation management.
To support workers, labour camps will be set up in district headquarters, providing canteens, drinking water, bathing areas and toilets. This initiative aims to improve the living and working conditions of labourers.
“The government has also started the ‘Zero Poverty Campaign’ from October 2, 2024. Under this campaign, the poorest families will be identified from every gram panchayat of the state. The goal is to increase their annual income to Rs 1,25,000 and ensure they receive basic necessities,†he added.
The finance minister further stated that this Budget is designed to drive Uttar Pradesh’s development, technological advancement, education reforms, poverty alleviation and infrastructure expansion.
“Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the state is moving towards modernisation, innovation and self-reliance, making it a national and global investment hub,†he stated.
