Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, after presenting the state budget for 2024-25, highlighted a 6.7% increase compared to previous budgets. Breaking new ground, the budget allocates over two lakh crore for capital expenditure for the first time.
Addressing a press conference, CM Yogi disclosed the budget figure of Rs 7,36,437 crore, emphasizing the 6.7% surge over previous budgets. He linked the budget’s objectives to the accomplishments of the Double Engine Government, aligned with PM Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Prayas.’
In a significant move, Rs 2,30,782 crore has been earmarked for capital expenditure, reflecting a commitment to infrastructure investment for job creation and economic fortification. CM Yogi projected a substantial growth in Uttar Pradesh’s GDP, aiming to reach 25 lakh crores in 2024-25 from around 12 lakh crores in 2016-17.
Highlighting economic achievements, CM Yogi asserted the state’s position as the second-largest economy in the country, attributing success to a crackdown on corruption. He underlined adherence to fiscal responsibility, working within the Government of India and RBI’s prescribed fiscal deficit limit of 3.5%.
CM Yogi proudly shared that the state’s unemployment rate, which stood at 19.2% in 2016-17, has plummeted to around 2.4%. To further boost employment, the ‘Mukhyemantri Uddhyami Vikas Yojana’ will offer interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh to youth for entrepreneurial ventures in cities and villages.
Focusing on agriculture, the ‘Mukhyemantri Khet Suraksha Yojana’ aims to safeguard farmers by establishing automatic water stations and rain gauges in every gram panchayat. The budget also provisions for the establishment of the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority, after 46 years, between Kanpur and Jhansi.
The budget encompasses allocations for key cultural and developmental projects in Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Vindhyachal, and Prayagraj Kumbh, indicating a comprehensive approach to regional growth and welfare.
