Uttar Pradesh presents Rs8.08 lakh cr budget for FY 2025-26; Focus on AI, infrastructure, and social welfare

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented the state's Rs8,08,736 crore budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 on Thursday, marking a 9.8 per cent increase from the previous fiscal.The budget prioritizes infrastructure development, technology, education, healthcare, and social welfare, aiming to accelerate economic growth and improve public services across the state.

Uttar Pradesh Unveils Record Rs 8.08 Lakh Crore Budget for FY 2025-26

The capital expenditure in the budget stands at 20.5 per cent of the total allocation, highlighting the government's emphasis on industrial expansion, transportation, and investment-driven projects.Among sectoral allocations, 22 per cent has been earmarked for infrastructure, 13 per cent for education, 11 per cent for agriculture and allied services, 6 per cent for medical and health sectors, and 4 per cent for social security programs.

UP Government Presents Ambitious Rs 8.08 Lakh Crore Budget for Next Fiscal Year
Additionally, a special provision has been made to equip the Legislative Assembly with modern IT systems, reinforcing the government's focus on digital governance.A key highlight of the budget is the establishment of an "Artificial Intelligence City" to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for AI-based innovations and technology-driven enterprises.

UP's Massive Budget: Rs 8.08 Lakh Crore Allocated for FY 2025-26
The government has proposed the creation of a Technology Research Translation Park in Cybersecurity.In the education sector, a significant push has been made to integrate technology into learning. Plans are in place to establish ICT labs and smart classrooms in primary and higher secondary schools across the state.

Uttar Pradesh Charts a Path for Growth with Rs 8.08 Lakh Crore Budget for FY 2025-26
Additionally, government polytechnics will be upgraded with smart classrooms and fully digital libraries, ensuring students have access to modern learning tools.Furthermore, a Centre of Excellence has been proposed to promote Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

The budget also emphasizes urban development, with 58 urban local bodies at district headquarters set to be transformed into model smart urban bodies through the convergence of various schemes.A total allocation of Rs145 crore has been made for this initiative, with Rs2.50 crore assigned to each urban body.

Moreover, the government plans to establish and renovate Science City, Science Parks, and Planetariums, fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and innovation among students and researchers.Uttar Pradesh's budget also includes a range of social welfare measures aimed at improving the quality of life for its citizens.