The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious budget of ₹8.08 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26. This budget prioritizes three key sectors: education, healthcare, and infrastructure, reflecting the state’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to enhancing school infrastructure, improving healthcare facilities, and boosting connectivity through modern infrastructure projects.
Key Highlights of the Budget
- Total Budget Size: ₹8.08 lakh crore
- Education Sector Allocation: ₹1.06 lakh crore (13% of total budget)
- Healthcare Sector Allocation: ₹78,000 crore
- Infrastructure Development Allocation: ₹1.5 lakh crore
- Agriculture and Rural Development: ₹85,000 crore
- Social Welfare Programs: ₹72,500 crore
- Urban Development and Smart Cities: ₹60,000 crore
- Industry and Employment Generation: ₹50,000 crore
- Renewable Energy and Environmental Initiatives: ₹30,000 crore
Education Sector: A Major Priority
The education sector has received a ₹1.06 lakh crore allocation, aiming to enhance learning outcomes and school infrastructure. The key initiatives include:
- Upgrading Government Schools: The budget focuses on modernizing classrooms, providing digital learning tools, and improving basic facilities.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Special schemes for economically weaker students, including free books, uniforms, and stipends.
- Teacher Training Programs: ₹5,000 crore allocated for improving the skills and training of educators.
- New Higher Education Institutes: Establishment of new universities and colleges to enhance access to quality education.
- Skill Development and Vocational Training: ₹10,000 crore earmarked to strengthen employability programs for youth.
Healthcare Sector: Strengthening Medical Infrastructure
The government has allocated ₹78,000 crore to the healthcare sector to ensure better medical services across the state. The major allocations include:
- Building New Hospitals: ₹15,000 crore for constructing district-level hospitals.
- Upgrading Primary Health Centers: ₹12,000 crore allocated for improving rural healthcare facilities.
- Ayushman Bharat and Health Insurance Schemes: ₹10,000 crore to cover more families under the state’s health insurance schemes.
- Medical Education and Research: Establishment of new medical colleges and research centers.
- Improving Maternal and Child Healthcare: Special emphasis on reducing infant mortality rates and providing nutritional support.
Infrastructure Development: Enhancing Connectivity and Urban Growth
Infrastructure development has received a significant allocation of ₹1.5 lakh crore, focusing on road networks, metro expansions, and smart cities. The key projects include:
- Expressways and Highways: ₹50,000 crore for expanding road connectivity.
- Metro Rail Expansion: ₹20,000 crore for metro projects in major cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
- Smart Cities and Urban Planning: ₹25,000 crore dedicated to urban transformation.
- Affordable Housing Projects: ₹15,000 crore for low-cost housing under PM Awas Yojana.
Agriculture and Rural Development: Empowering Farmers
With an allocation of ₹85,000 crore, the state aims to enhance agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. The major initiatives include:
- Irrigation and Water Conservation Projects: ₹20,000 crore for improving irrigation facilities.
- Farm Subsidies and Loan Waivers: ₹15,000 crore to support small-scale farmers.
- Dairy and Fisheries Development: ₹10,000 crore for boosting allied agricultural activities.
Social Welfare Programs: Enhancing Quality of Life
A sum of ₹72,500 crore has been set aside for social welfare schemes to uplift marginalized communities. Key programs include:
- Women Empowerment and Safety: ₹20,000 crore for schemes promoting women’s education and security.
- Old Age and Disability Pensions: ₹10,000 crore to support senior citizens and differently-abled individuals.
- Affordable Ration and Food Security: ₹15,000 crore to ensure subsidized food for underprivileged families.
Conclusion
The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025-26 presents a balanced approach toward economic growth and social welfare. With a strong emphasis on education, healthcare, and infrastructure, the budget aims to transform the state into a hub of development and prosperity. If effectively implemented, these initiatives will significantly improve the standard of living for millions of residents in Uttar Pradesh.