Yogi Adityanath Unveils ₹8.08 Lakh Crore Budget Emphasizing Cultural Heritage and Social Progress

February 20, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented the state's budget for the financial year 2025-26, outlining an expenditure plan of ₹8,08,736 crore. This budget, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous fiscal year, is designed to align with the principles of 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' (may all be happy) and is dedicated to India's Sanatan culture. It emphasizes the upliftment of youth, women, and farmers, drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of prioritizing the deprived sections of society.

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to infrastructure development, with plans to construct four new expressways:

• Agra-Lucknow Expressway to Ganga Expressway: A greenfield expressway connecting Agra-Lucknow Expressway to Ganga Expressway in Kausia, Hardoi, via Farrukhabad, with an allocation of ₹900 crore.

• Vindhya Expressway: Connecting Ganga Expressway to Sonbhadra via Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Varanasi, and Chandauli, with an initial provision of ₹50 crore.

• Ganga Expressway Extension: Extending from Meerut to Haridwar, with ₹50 crore allocated.

• Bundelkhand Rewa Expressway: Proposed with an initial provision of ₹50 crore.

These projects aim to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the state.

In a move to position Uttar Pradesh as a hub for technological innovation, the budget proposes the development of an Artificial Intelligence City in Lucknow, with an allocation of ₹5 crore. Additionally, ₹3 crore has been earmarked for establishing a Technology Translation Research Park focused on cybersecurity. These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to integrating advanced technology into the state's development framework.

Education and women's empowerment are also focal points of the budget. The Rani Laxmibai Scooty Yojana has been introduced, allocating ₹400 crore to provide scooters to eligible girls pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to promote higher education among women by facilitating easier access to educational institutions.

Urban development receives significant attention, with plans to transform 58 urban local bodies at district headquarters into model smart urban bodies. A total allocation of ₹145 crore has been made for this initiative, with ₹2.5 crore assigned to each urban body. The government also plans to establish and renovate Science City, Science Parks, and Planetariums, fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and innovation among students and researchers.

Social welfare measures are prominently featured, including the establishment of labor hubs at district headquarters. These hubs will be equipped with canteens, drinking water facilities, bathing areas, and toilets to improve living conditions for workers. In the healthcare sector, the budget proposes ₹27 crore for an autonomous medical college in Ballia and ₹25 crore for a similar institution in Balrampur. These investments aim to increase medical seats, enhance healthcare access, and strengthen the state's medical education system.

The budget also addresses environmental sustainability, with plans to create a solar city in Ayodhya. Under the solar policy, 3,000 'Surya Mitras' will be trained, and the state aims to generate 22,000 megawatts of solar power over the next five years. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to promoting renewable energy and reducing the state's carbon footprint.

In his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the significance of this budget, noting that it marks the Amrit Mahotsav of the implementation of the Indian Constitution and the establishment of Uttar Pradesh in January 1950. He emphasized that the budget lays a roadmap for the state's future, outlining plans for the next 25 years. A notable initiative in this context is the establishment of the Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial and Cultural Center in Lucknow. This center aims to promote the principles of prioritizing the deprived, as laid out in the Constitution, and will serve as a beacon for social equity and empowerment.

Overall, the Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025-26 reflects a harmonious blend of honoring cultural heritage and advancing modern development. By focusing on infrastructure, technology, education, social welfare, and environmental sustainability, the government aims to foster inclusive growth and position the state as a leader in various sectors on the national stage.