Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026-27 Prioritizes Women and Youth with Significant Funding Increases
In a landmark move aimed at fostering gender equality and youth development, the Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled a budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year with a strong emphasis on women-centric initiatives. Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented the budget, which includes substantial allocations designed to uplift women across the state through education, mobility, and social security.
Major Financial Allocations for Key Women Empowerment Schemes
The budget proposes a total of ₹18,620 crore for Women and Child Development schemes, marking an impressive 11% increase compared to the 2025-26 fiscal year. This significant boost underscores the state's commitment to enhancing the socio-economic status of women and girls.
Among the standout provisions is ₹400 crore allocated to the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, a flagship program that has already benefited 26.81 lakh girls as of January 2026. This scheme provides financial assistance to families for the education and welfare of girl children, promoting their long-term development.
Additionally, the government has proposed another ₹400 crore for the Rani Lakshmi Bai Scooty Yojana, which aims to provide scooters to meritorious girl students. This initiative not only rewards academic excellence but also enhances mobility and independence for young women pursuing higher education.
Enhanced Social Security and Infrastructure for Women
The budget also focuses on strengthening social security nets and infrastructure for women. A substantial ₹3,500 crore has been earmarked for the Destitute Women Pension Scheme, which has seen remarkable growth in beneficiary numbers. From 17.32 lakh beneficiaries in 2016-17, the scheme now supports 38.58 lakh women as of 2025-26, reflecting its expanding reach and impact.
To address the housing needs of working women, the budget includes ₹100 crore for the construction of hostels. Furthermore, ₹35 crore is proposed under the Mukhyamantri Shramjeevi Mahila Hostel Construction Scheme, specifically aimed at creating safe and affordable accommodation for female laborers and workers.
Grassroots Empowerment and Economic Initiatives
The state government's efforts to empower women at the grassroots level have yielded significant results. In 58,000 gram panchayats during 2025-26, a network of 39,880 BC Sakhis conducted financial transactions worth over ₹39,000 crore, earning approximately ₹107 crore in commissions. This initiative has not only provided livelihood opportunities but also integrated women into the formal financial ecosystem.
Under the Mahila Samarthya Yojana, five milk producer companies have been proposed to boost women's participation in the dairy sector. Units in Gorakhpur, Bareilly, and Rae Bareli have already commenced procurement and marketing operations, while those in Prayagraj and Lucknow are in the pipeline. These companies are expected to enhance income generation and market access for women in rural areas.
In the agricultural sector, the budget prioritizes women sugarcane farmers, with around 60,000 women being given priority in the issuance of cane slips. This measure aims to support female farmers and ensure their active involvement in the state's key agricultural industries.
The comprehensive budget allocations reflect Uttar Pradesh's strategic focus on creating an enabling environment for women and youth, driving inclusive growth and development across the state.
