UTTAR PRADESH BUDGET 2024-25 HIGHLIGHTS

The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2024-25 is the largest in the state’s history, amounting to Rs 7.36 lakh crore. Presented by Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the budget reflects Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of transforming Uttar Pradesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2027. This budget, which emphasizes infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture, women empowerment, and social welfare, comes ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The government has dedicated the budget to Lord Ram and the principles of Ram Rajya, focusing on public welfare (Lok Mangal).

1. Total Budget Size: Rs 7,36,437.71 crore, marking the largest fiscal outlay in the state's history.
   
   • The budget is an increase of Rs 46,195 crore, or 6.7%, over the previous year’s budget of Rs 6,90,242.43 crore.
   • This is the third budget of the Yogi Adityanath 2.0 government and his eighth budget since taking office in 2017.

1. Dedication to Lord Ram: The Yogi Adityanath government symbolically dedicated the budget to Lord Ram and the concept of Ram Rajya, with a focus on ensuring Lok Mangal or public welfare for all. The government draws on the concept of Ram Rajya, which stands for justice, equity, prosperity, and inclusive development.
2. Revenue vs Capital Expenditure:
   
   • Revenue Expenditure: Rs 5,32,655.33 crore will go toward recurring costs such as salaries, pensions, and interest payments.
   • Capital Expenditure: Rs 2.04 lakh crore has been earmarked for long-term asset creation, including infrastructure projects, road construction, railways, and industrial growth.

1. Fiscal Deficit:
   
   • The fiscal deficit for FY 2024-25 is projected to be Rs 86,530.51 crore, or 3.46% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). This is higher than the 3% limit recommended by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, but the state government justifies this by emphasizing the need for infrastructure investment and economic stimulus.

1. Debt Burden:
   
   • Uttar Pradesh’s total debt burden is expected to rise to Rs 8.16 lakh crore by FY 2024-25, up from Rs 2.66 lakh crore in FY 2014-15. The state’s debt-to-GSDP ratio is expected to be 32.7%, which exceeds the 20% cap recommended by the NK Singh Committee on fiscal responsibility.

1. Revenue and Receipts:
   
   • Total Receipts: Rs 7.21 lakh crore.
     • Revenue Receipts: Rs 6.07 lakh crore, which includes tax revenue, non-tax revenue, and grants from the central government.
     • Capital Receipts: Rs 1.14 lakh crore, which includes borrowings and other capital resources.
   • Tax Revenue: The state’s own tax revenue is expected to be Rs 2.70 lakh crore, driven by improvements in tax administration, compliance, and digitization of tax systems.

1. Growth Target:
   
   • The Uttar Pradesh government is working towards achieving the goal of making the state a trillion-dollar economy by 2027. This ambition aligns with India’s national goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by the same period.

1. GSDP Growth:
   
   • The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is projected to grow by 5.83% in FY 2024-25, bringing the GSDP to Rs 24.99 lakh crore. This is an increase from Rs 22.57 lakh crore in 2022-23. The revised GSDP estimates for 2023-24 are Rs 23.61 lakh crore, reflecting a 4.60% growth for that year.
   • Sectoral Growth Targets:
     • Agriculture: 5.1% growth target.
     • Industry: 7% growth target, driven by manufacturing, infrastructure, and MSMEs.
     • Services: 6.5% growth target, led by IT, tourism, and logistics.

1. Strategic Sectors for Investment:
   
   • Semiconductors: With the approval of the Uttar Pradesh Semiconductor Policy 2024, the state aims to attract investments in semiconductor manufacturing, a critical component of digital and electronic infrastructure.
   • Defense Manufacturing: The state’s UP Defense Corridor, a part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, will further defense production capabilities, generating jobs and boosting the state’s industrial growth.
   • Green Energy: The government aims to make Uttar Pradesh a leader in green energy production by promoting solar parks, wind farms, and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hubs.
   • Global Investors Summit 2023: The Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit, held in February 2023, secured investment proposals worth Rs 35.5 lakh crore, with over 1,400 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed. These proposals span sectors such as agriculture, IT, textiles, healthcare, renewable energy, and defense.

Infrastructure development is a key pillar of the Uttar Pradesh Budget 2024-25, with massive allocations made toward enhancing road, rail, metro, and air connectivity, as well as urban development projects.

1. Road and Highway Development:
   
   • Ganga Expressway: The Ganga Expressway, spanning 594 km, will connect Meerut to Prayagraj, boosting industrial and economic development in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Rs 2,057 crore has been allocated for its construction, which is expected to improve logistics, transportation, and connectivity.
   • State and National Highways: An additional Rs 2881 crore has been allocated for the widening and broadening of state highways and major roads.
   • Central Road Fund: Rs 5,500 crore has been allocated for construction and maintenance of roads under the Central Road Fund, which includes rural and urban road networks.

1. Railway Overbridges and Underpasses:
   
   • Rs 3,850 crore has been allocated for the construction of railway overbridges, underpasses, and rural bridges across the state to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.

1. Urban Flood and Drainage Systems:
   
   • Recognizing the perennial issue of urban flooding during monsoon seasons, the government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore to address waterlogging through the construction of stormwater reservoirs and the development of modern drainage systems in cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi.

1. Metro Rail Projects:
   
   • Kanpur Metro: Rs 395 crore allocated for the Kanpur Metro Rail Project, which is an essential urban mobility solution for the growing city.
   • Agra Metro: Rs 346 crore allocated for the Agra Metro project, which will enhance public transport in one of Uttar Pradesh’s major tourist destinations.
   • Lucknow Metro (Second Line): While no direct budget allocation has been made for the second metro line in Lucknow, the government has committed to expanding the metro network in the state capital.

1. Aerocity in Lucknow:
   
   • The state government has announced the development of a 1,500-acre Aerocity near Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow. This project, which will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, will include seven-star hotels, world-class convention centers, commercial spaces, parks, and other high-end amenities. It will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crore and is expected to generate 1 lakh direct jobs and 2 lakh indirect jobs.

1. Smart City Development:
   
   • Under the State Smart City Scheme, Rs 400 crore has been allocated for smart city projects across the state. This is 63% more than the previous year, reflecting the state’s commitment to building modern, sustainable urban centers with integrated public services.

1. Aviation Sector Development:
   
   • Rs 27,746 crore has been allocated for the expansion and modernization of the aviation sector in Uttar Pradesh. The focus is on building world-class airports and airstrips, improving connectivity to major cities, and promoting regional air connectivity.

1. Ayodhya Airport:
   
   • Rs 150 crore has been allocated for the expansion of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, which will serve as a major hub for religious tourism. The airport will improve air connectivity for pilgrims visiting the Ram Temple and other religious sites in Ayodhya.

1. Jewar International Airport:
   
   • Rs 1,150 crore has been earmarked for the construction and land acquisition for Jewar International Airport in Gautam Buddha Nagar. This project, which is expected to be one of the largest airports in Asia, will boost international air connectivity, enhance trade and tourism, and generate thousands of jobs.

1. Other Airport Projects:
   
   • Aligarh, Azamgarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot have also been prioritized for airstrip development under the state’s aviation development plan. These projects are intended to enhance regional connectivity and provide air access to remote areas.

A major focus of the Uttar Pradesh Budget 2024-25 is agricultural development and rural welfare, with an allocation of Rs 89,298.15 crore for sectors including agriculture, horticulture, rural development, water supply, and cooperative projects.

1. Agricultural Growth:
   
   • The government aims for a 5.1% growth rate in agriculture by promoting crop diversification, sustainable farming practices, and technology adoption. The focus will be on improving irrigation systems, soil health, and farm mechanization.

1. Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs):
   
   • Over 37 lakh Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) have been distributed to farmers, providing access to low-interest loans for seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and other agricultural inputs. Rs 63,000 crore has been transferred to farmers through direct benefit transfers (DBT) under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.

1. Irrigation and Water Supply:
   
   • Jal Jeevan Mission: A total of Rs 22,000 crore has been allocated for the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water connections to every rural household by 2024. This is especially important in drought-prone regions like Bundelkhand, where water scarcity is a pressing issue.
   • Rainwater Harvesting: Rs 80 crore allocated for rainwater harvesting projects, and Rs 65 crore allocated for the construction of check dams and groundwater recharge systems to ensure water security in agricultural zones.

1. Rural Development Initiatives:
   
   • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural): Rs 2,441 crore allocated for the construction of 36 lakh houses under the PMAY-Rural, aimed at providing housing for low-income families in rural areas.
   • Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural): The Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) has been allocated Rs 4,867 crore for sanitation improvements, including toilet construction and solid waste management systems in rural areas.

1. Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana:
   
   • Rs 50 crore has been allocated for the Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana, which aims to protect crops from stray animals, wildlife, and pests. This scheme includes the establishment of fencing, watchtowers, and surveillance systems in farming areas.

1. Automatic Weather Stations:
   
   • Rs 60 crore allocated for the installation of automatic weather stations in every gram panchayat to help farmers make informed decisions about crop management and irrigation.

1. Agriculture Compensation and Insurance:
   
   • Rs 831 crore was paid to approximately 10 lakh insured farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) as compensation for crop losses due to natural calamities. The government continues to focus on expanding agricultural insurance coverage.

The education sector receives significant attention, with a total allocation of Rs 1,03,494.81 crore spread across primary, secondary, higher, and technical education.

1. Free Digital Learning Devices:
   
   • Under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, Rs 4,000 crore has been allocated for the distribution of 25 lakh tablets and smartphones to students. This initiative promotes digital literacy and provides students with access to online learning platforms, helping bridge the digital divide.

1. Operation Kayakalp:
   
   • Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for Operation Kayakalp, which aims to upgrade the infrastructure of primary and secondary schools, including the construction of new classrooms, modern learning aids, and the provision of basic amenities like drinking water and sanitation facilities.

1. Samagra Shiksha Yojana:
   
   • Rs 516.64 crore has been allocated under the Samagra Shiksha Yojana to ensure that all government secondary schools in the state are equipped with basic infrastructure, smart classrooms, and information technology labs.

1. Skill-Based Education:
   
   • 113 colleges have been selected to offer skill-based BBA courses in fields such as Retail, Logistics, Healthcare, and Tourism. These programs are aligned with the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, promoting local industries and generating employment opportunities.

1. Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs):
   
   • Rs 818.75 crore has been allocated for the modernization of 150 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), in partnership with Tata Technologies Limited. An additional 69 ITIs are proposed to be upgraded in FY 2024-25.

1. Scholarship Programs:
   
   • Rs 2475 crore has been allocated for the scholarship program for students from backward classes, while Rs 1862 crore has been allocated for the scholarship program for SC/ST students.

1. Skill Development Training for Youth:
   
   • The government has prioritized the promotion of entrepreneurship and self-employment by providing interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan, with a total allocation of Rs 1,000 crore. This scheme will benefit young entrepreneurs, enabling them to start micro-enterprises in both rural and urban areas.

1. Free Sweaters, Shoes, and School Bags:
   
   • Rs 650 crore has been allocated for the distribution of free sweaters, shoes, and school bags to 2 crore students enrolled in classes 1 to 8 in government schools, promoting education for children from low-income families.

1. Nirashrit Mahila Pension Yojana:
   
   • The Nirashrit Mahila Pension Yojana has seen a doubling of the monthly pension from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Rs 4,073 crore has been allocated to support over 31 lakh destitute women across the state.

1. Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana:
   
   • Rs 700 crore has been allocated to the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, which supports the education, healthcare, and marriage of girl children from disadvantaged families. Since its inception in 2019, the scheme has benefited 17.82 lakh girls.

1. Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana:
   
   • Rs 600 crore has been allocated to the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana, which provides Rs 51,000 for the marriage of daughters from low-income families. In 2022-23, 1,00,874 couples benefited from this scheme.

1. Child Nutrition Programs:
   
   • Rs 5,129 crore has been allocated to child nutrition programs, which provide hot cooked meals to 79.37 lakh children aged 3 to 6 years at Anganwadi centers. Additionally, the state’s Anganwadi workers and assistants will receive an honorarium, with Rs 971 crore allocated for this purpose.

1. Women Farmer Empowerment:
   
   • The Mahila Kisan Pariyojna will support 200 women producer groups, providing financial assistance and training to enhance their participation in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Law and order continue to be a priority for the Yogi Adityanath government, with Rs 39,550 crore allocated to the police force, crime control, and public safety initiatives.

1. Police Modernization:
   
   • Rs 1,128.89 crore has been allocated for the purchase of modern equipment, safety gadgets, and vehicles for police forces.
   • Rs 283 crore allocated for the purchase of land for constructing police stations, training centers, and other police infrastructure.

1. New PAC Battalions:
   
   • Five new Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) battalions will be established in Balrampur, Jalaun, Mirzapur, Shamli, and Bijnor to enhance security and law enforcement.

1. Anti-Romeo Squads:
   
   • The government has committed to increasing the number of Anti-Romeo Squads from 1,678 to 1,699 to ensure the safety of women in public spaces.

1. Public Safety:
   
   • Rs 366 crore has been allocated for purchasing new police vehicles for efficient law enforcement operations.
   • Panic buttons will be installed in public buses and taxis to ensure the safety of passengers, particularly women.

Environmental sustainability is a key focus of the Uttar Pradesh Budget 2024-25, with significant allocations for forest conservation, wildlife protection, and green energy initiatives.

1. Tree Plantation:
   
   • The state plans to plant 35 crore saplings in 2024 as part of its commitment to increasing forest cover. The goal is to raise the forest cover from 9.23% to 15% by 2030. In 2023, 36.16 crore saplings were planted against a target of 35 crore.

1. Kukrail Night Safari:
   
   • Rs 50 crore has been allocated for the development of the Kukrail Night Safari in Lucknow, the first of its kind in India. The safari will allow visitors to view wildlife after dusk, enhancing eco-tourism and promoting environmental awareness.

1. Water Conservation and Groundwater Recharging:
   
   • Rs 65 crore allocated for groundwater recharging and the construction of check dams to mitigate the impact of water scarcity in drought-prone regions.

1. Rainwater Harvesting Projects:
   
   • Rs 80 crore has been allocated for rainwater harvesting projects, particularly in areas such as Bundelkhand, where rainfall patterns are erratic and water scarcity is a chronic issue.

1. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:
   
   • Rs 2,500 crore has been allocated for preparations for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, which is expected to attract 120 million pilgrims over the 45-day festival. The government is making significant investments in infrastructure, sanitation, and public safety to ensure the smooth functioning of this global event.

1. Religious Routes:
   
   • Rs 1,750 crore has been allocated for the development of religious routes, connecting major pilgrimage centers such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vindhyavasini Dham, and Prayagraj. This initiative aims to boost religious tourism and improve infrastructure in these spiritual centers.

1. Ayodhya Development:
   
   • Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the all-round development of Ayodhya, adding to the Rs 32,000 crore already set aside for infrastructure projects in the holy city, including the Ram Mandir.

1. Industrial Clusters and Logistics Hubs:
   
   • The state will establish industrial clusters along key expressways such as the Ganga Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway, and Bundelkhand Expressway. These clusters will support industrial production, logistics, and warehousing, driving economic growth in the manufacturing and export sectors.

1. Atal Industrial Infrastructure Mission:
   
   • Rs 400 crore has been allocated for the Atal Industrial Infrastructure Mission, a 33% increase over last year. This initiative will promote the development of industrial parks, logistics hubs, and special economic zones (SEZs) across Uttar Pradesh.

1. Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan:
   
   • Rs 1,000 crore allocated for the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan, which provides interest-free loans to young entrepreneurs for setting up micro-enterprises. The scheme aims to create 1 lakh new businesses annually, promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship among rural and urban youth.

1. Textile Park Development:
   
   • A 1,000-acre Textile Park will be established along the Lucknow-Hardoi Road, with an estimated investment of Rs 400 crore. This project is expected to create 1 lakh direct jobs and 2 lakh indirect jobs in the textile sector.

1. Powerloom Scheme:
   
   • The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Powerloom Vidyut Flat Rate Yojana has been allocated Rs 400 crore to provide affordable electricity to the loom sector, supporting weavers and textile workers.

1. Healthcare Budget:
   
   • Rs 27,086 crore has been allocated to the health sector, with a focus on improving medical infrastructure, trauma care, and disease control.

1. SGPGI, KGMU, and RMLIMS:
   
   • Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI): Rs 1,160 crore has been allocated for SGPGI, including Rs 300 crore for a contingency fund and Rs 75 crore for medical equipment.
   • King George’s Medical University (KGMU): Rs 1,640 crore allocated for KGMU, with a focus on expanding diabetic care and setting up a satellite campus in Balrampur.
   • Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS): Rs 888 crore allocated for RMLIMS, with Rs 324 crore specifically for medical equipment upgrades.

1. Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute:
   
   • Rs 135 crore has been allocated to the Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute, with a focus on expanding robotic surgery and mammography services.

1. Trauma Centers:
   
   • Rs 300 crore allocated to upgrade trauma centers across the state to Level 1 trauma facilities, with state-of-the-art equipment for emergency care.

1. Free Ambulance Services:
   
   • Rs 176.55 crore has been allocated for the operation of free ambulance services for pregnant women, critically ill patients, and accident victims.

1. New Medical Colleges:
   
   • Rs 964 crore has been allocated for the establishment of 14 new medical colleges across the state, promoting medical education and healthcare access in rural and underserved regions.

1. Sports Budget:
   
   • Rs 195 crore has been allocated to promote sports infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh, with a 67% increase in funding compared to the previous year.

1. International Coaches:
   
   • 50 international coaches will be hired to train athletes in state-run sports hostels. Each coach will receive an honorarium of Rs 1.5 lakh per month.

1. Sports Science and Injury Center:
   
   • Rs 12 crore allocated for a Sports Science and Injury Center to be established in Lucknow, providing specialized care for athletes injured during training or competitions.

1. Private Sector Participation:
   
   • Rs 50 crore allocated for private participation in the construction of sports infrastructure.

The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2024-25 is a transformative fiscal blueprint that lays the foundation for the state’s economic, social, and environmental growth. With a focus on infrastructure development, industrial growth, agriculture, education, healthcare, women empowerment, and religious tourism, the budget aims to make Uttar Pradesh a trillion-dollar economy and a global investment hub. The budget also emphasizes inclusive growth, ensuring that marginalized groups such as farmers, women, youth, and backward classes benefit from the state’s development trajectory. By aligning with the principles of Ram Rajya, the Yogi Adityanath government has placed public welfare at the forefront of its agenda, promising a brighter, more prosperous future for Uttar Pradesh’s citizens.