Uttar Pradesh's Ambitious Budget: New Expressways, AI Innovations, and Support for Students

Lucknow, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Suresh Khanna, unveiled a budget totaling Rs 8,08,736.6 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, placing a significant emphasis on infrastructure, technology, education, and social welfare.

In his address to the Assembly, the Finance Minister underscored the importance of swift infrastructure enhancements and job creation. He disclosed that 22 percent of the budget is designated for development projects, 13 percent for education, 11 percent for agriculture and related services, and 6 percent for healthcare.

Khanna pointed out advancements in law enforcement and energy supply, noting that digital tools like Nivesh Saarthi, Nivesh Mitra, and the Online Incentive Benefit Management System have improved transparency in the investment landscape, thereby increasing investor trust.

According to the budget proposals, four new expressways are set to be constructed, and 58 municipalities will be upgraded to smart city status.

The Uttar Pradesh government aims to create an Artificial Intelligence City to establish the state as a hub for technological advancements. Additionally, a Technology Research Translation Park concentrating on cybersecurity and a Center of Excellence for AI will be established.

A Science City, Science Park, and Planetarium will be built, while existing institutions will undergo renovations.

Outstanding female students will be awarded scooties based on eligibility criteria. An allocation of Rs 24 crore has been made for providing laptops and smartphones to revenue staff for digital operations.

Other initiatives include two complimentary LPG cylinders under the Ujjwala Yojana, Rs 1,050 crore for the Farmer Welfare Fund to support farmers facing accidental deaths/disabilities, Rs 550 crore for the Chief Minister’s Mass Marriage Scheme to assist marriages of daughters from all backgrounds, Rs 2,980 crore for pensions under the Destitute Women Pension Scheme, Rs 700 crore for the Kanya Sumangala Scheme, and Rs 1,424 crore for the Disabled Maintenance Grant Scheme.

A Solar City is also planned for Ayodhya.

Khanna remarked that the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is a significant event, occurring every 144 years, with extensive preparations underway to ensure its success.

He reinforced Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s ambition of transforming Uttar Pradesh into a $1 trillion economy. A detailed action plan has been devised, targeting agriculture, infrastructure, industries, IT, healthcare, education, tourism, urban development, and financial services to propel economic growth.

Describing the budget as a crucial move towards economic advancement and social upliftment, Khanna stated, "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has achieved remarkable progress in various sectors, including law and order, industrial growth, poverty reduction, and financial inclusion."