The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday presented the budget for 2025-26 with an outlay of 8.09 lakh crore. Focused on infrastructure, women, and religious tourism, the budget also laid stress on technological advancements.

“The budget of ₹8,08,736 crore, the biggest ever in U.P., offers a perfect road map for balanced development of the State. This year’s budget is almost 9.8% higher than the previous one. Out of the total, 22% has been allocated for development purposes, 13% for education, 11% for agriculture and related services, and 6% for health,” said State Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, who presented the budget.

The government has also proposed the construction of four new expressways with an allocation of ₹900 crore. In the field of education, the government has proposed the development of primary schools as smart schools, with an allocation of ₹300 crore.

The budget also allocated over ₹400 crore under the Chief Minister’s Tourist Places Development Scheme, with ₹150 crore set aside for developing tourism infrastructure in Ayodhya. “Our budget focuses on the commitment of the double-engine government to expand the economy and the Prime Minister’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Prayas,” said Mr. Adityanath at a press conference.

‘Second last budget’

However, the Opposition criticised the budget, with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav calling it the “second last budget” of the BJP government.

Mr. Yadav said the budget lacks vision for Uttar Pradesh and fails to address the needs of the youth, farmers, and poor.

BSP chief Mayawati said the budget lacks intention and policy road map to eliminate inflation, poverty, unemployment, and rural distress. “It is aimed at appeasing the well-off middle class,” she said.