Uttar Pradesh Budget Unveils Comprehensive Development Blueprint
The Uttar Pradesh government has presented a forward-looking budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, strategically targeting safe women, capable youth, prosperous farmers, and universal employment as its core pillars. This financial plan significantly invests in technology and aims for the holistic development of all districts across the state.
Prayagraj Emerges as a Key Development Hub
Recognizing Prayagraj's robust standing in religious tourism, the budget outlines initiatives to integrate neighboring districts into this growth trajectory. A major institutional step is the proposed formation of the Prayagraj Chitrakoot Development Authority. Furthermore, the establishment of the Nishadraj Guha Cultural Centre in Shringverpur, Prayagraj, is a highlighted cultural project.
Infrastructure receives a substantial boost with new metro line projects planned for Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut, and Prayagraj. In a move to empower women in rural economies, Prayagraj is among the districts where 5 milk producer companies are proposed under the Mahila Shakti Yojana.
Significant Allocations for Welfare and Technology
The budget demonstrates a strong commitment to social welfare with a provision of Rs 2,140 crore for the welfare of persons with disabilities, marking an 8% increase from the 2025-26 budget. A notable inclusion is the establishment of a new childhood daycare centre in Fatehpur, within the Prayagraj division.
Technology and industry modernization are central themes. "The government focused on the MSME and AI sectors in the budget. This will boost industries. The government's emphasis on artificial intelligence to upgrade industries in a timely manner is a step with far-reaching implications," stated Mahendra Goyal, State President of the Confederation of All India Traders Union.
Major Leap in Artificial Intelligence Initiatives
The launch of the UP AI Mission, backed by a provision of Rs 225 crore, is a landmark decision. An additional Rs 32.82 crore has been allocated for setting up an AI Centre of Excellence and an India AI Data Lab within the state.
"This will provide employment opportunities for youth, while the use of new technology in various sectors will ensure social and economic development," remarked Mayanshi Singh, an AI creative strategist from Prayagraj.
Infrastructure and Sustainable Urban Development
In a push for sustainability, the budget outlines plans to develop 17 municipal corporations across Uttar Pradesh into solar cities. A sum of Rs 800 crore is proposed for various infrastructure works under the development plans of all state development authorities.
Aligning with the national Smart City Mission, ten cities from Uttar Pradesh have been selected among the country's 100 smart cities. These include Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Jhansi, Saharanpur, Moradabad, and Prayagraj, underscoring a widespread urban modernization drive.
