In a significant move, the eighth budget of the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh was presented in the Assembly today. The budget, totaling Rs 7,36,437.71 crore, places a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, aiming to transform Uttar Pradesh into an expressway state. Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, while presenting the budget, highlighted the inclusive approach, ensuring every section of society is taken care of, and all districts are on the path of development.
One notable aspect of the budget speech was the mention of Ayodhya, where the construction of the Ram temple has turned the city into a global tourism hub. The Finance Minister applauded the unprecedented improvement in law and order in the state. Among the key announcements, the development of Aerocity on 1500 acres in Lucknow, modeled after Delhi, and a significant MoU worth Rs 4000 crore on Future Energy were highlighted. This initiative aims to develop 7-star hotels and various facilities.
The budget, inclusive of new schemes worth Rs 24,000 crore, reflects a fiscal deficit of 3.46 percent for the financial year. Minister Khanna delved into statistics, revealing decreases in various crime categories, attributing them to initiatives like Operation Trinetra, which installed 8,54,634 CCTV cameras across the state.
The achievements of the government were also spotlighted, particularly in healthcare. Funds for medical assistance have seen a substantial increase during Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s tenure, with notable reductions in maternal and infant mortality rates.
The Finance Minister proudly announced UP’s progress in the future energy sector, signifying an MoU with Hero Future Energies for a Rs 4,000 crore investment in renewable energy and clean technology projects. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh has adopted a semiconductor policy, making it the fourth state with such a strategic framework.
The budget underscores the state’s commitment to employment generation, with policies like ODOP (One District One Product) leading to significant numbers. Training for skill development, employment under NREGA, and benefits for MSMEs were highlighted. Minister Khanna commended Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, acknowledging the state’s achievements and its continuous march towards socio-cultural, economic, and spiritual progress.
