UP Government Unveils ₹8.09 Lakh Crore Budget: Focus on AI, Cyber Security & Infrastructure

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented the ₹8.08 lakh crore Budget for 2025-26, focusing on research, development, and IT. The Budget allocation includes 22% for development, 13% for education, 11% for agriculture, and 6% for health.

Key initiatives include the development of an AI City, a cyber security research park, and smart municipal bodies. The government plans to modernize the Legislative Assembly, schools, and polytechnics, alongside infrastructure improvements for workers’ welfare.

The 'Zero Poverty Abhiyan', launched in October 2024, aims to uplift the poorest families, ensuring a minimum annual income of ₹1.25 lakh. Uttar Pradesh has been recognized as a "front runner state" by NITI Aayog, with improved financial stability, a fiscal deficit within limits, and a GSDP projected at ₹27.51 lakh crore. The per capita income has also increased from ₹52,671 in 2016-17 to ₹93,514 in 2023-24.

Khanna emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s strong financial management, with the state ranking among the highest in tax receipts, as per the RBI.