Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh government will announce its general budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the state assembly on Thursday morning. This will be the fourth budget of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s second term.
The budget, estimated to be around Rs 8 lakh crore, aims to accelerate development and move closer to the goal of making Uttar Pradesh a one trillion-dollar economy.
Expected focus areas of budget
The budget is expected to focus on infrastructure development, creating employment opportunities, supporting farmers, and improving health and education. A significant part of the budget will also go towards religious tourism, technological upgrades, and urban development. It will provide a glimpse of the promises made in the BJP’s 2022 election manifesto.
Before being presented in the assembly by Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, the budget will be approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath on Thursday morning.
Key announcements expected
One of the major highlights of the budget could be an allocation for expressways and link expressways. The government has already announced Vindhya Expressway, which will connect Prayagraj to Sonbhadra via Varanasi. This project is expected to cost Rs 24,000 crore, and provisions for this are likely to be made in the budget.
The budget will also prioritize connecting all existing, under-construction, and proposed expressways through link expressways to enhance connectivity.
Urban development is another area likely to receive a significant boost. A large allocation is expected for metro projects and the development of new urban areas. In the previous budget, Rs 3,000 crore was set aside for urban development, and this amount may increase this year.
To promote sports in rural areas, the government may allocate funds for block-level mini-stadiums. This initiative aims to encourage young talent and strengthen sports infrastructure across the state.
The budget is expected to provide funds for the development of the Buddhist Circuit, aimed at promoting religious tourism. Investments will also be made in the education sector to improve facilities and infrastructure, ensuring quality education reaches every corner of the state.
Provisions will likely be made to speed up metro projects in cities like Gorakhpur and Varanasi. Allocations may also be made for the development of new urban areas, ensuring improved facilities and services for citizens.
Farmers are expected to receive special attention in the budget, with funds directed toward modernizing agricultural practices and providing financial support. Health infrastructure is also a priority, with plans for improving healthcare facilities and ensuring better access to medical services.
The budget will include several welfare and populist announcements to fulfill promises made during the 2022 elections. Key schemes focusing on employment, technological advancement, and basic development will be a part of this.
UP finance minister to present budget
Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna will present the state budget for the sixth consecutive time. The announcements in the budget are expected to focus on long-term growth and immediate benefits for the people of Uttar Pradesh. The budget will be presented at 11 am.
