“Rs 9.12 Lakh Crore Blueprint for Growth”: Yogi Government Unveils UP Budget Focused on Jobs, Housing, Health and Spiritual Tourism

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday presented a massive ₹9.12 lakh crore Budget for the financial year 2026–27, outlining an ambitious roadmap centered on employment generation, urban expansion, healthcare access, agricultural growth and spiritual tourism.

Finance Minister Suresh Khanna tabled the Budget in the Assembly in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, describing it as a “development-driven and inclusive financial plan” aimed at accelerating economic momentum across the state.

Push for MSMEs and Industrial Growth

A major thrust has been given to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with ₹575 crore earmarked to strengthen the sector. The government also announced the launch of the ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Employment and Industrial Zone’ to boost industrial activity and create job opportunities.

In a move to promote regional food heritage and entrepreneurship, ₹65 crore has been allocated for the ‘One District One Cuisine’ (ODOC) initiative, including support for a production hub in Khajni, Gorakhpur.

Urban Expansion and New Housing After Decades

Urban development has received a significant boost with ₹3,500 crore allocated under the Chief Minister’s Urban Expansion and New City Promotion Scheme.

The government announced new housing schemes in several cities after decades. Agra will see a new housing project after 33 years, Lucknow after 22 years, and Meerut will get its first new housing scheme in 35 years. Bulandshahr is also set to receive its first housing scheme.

Agriculture, Dairy and Fisheries Focus

In the agriculture and allied sectors, ₹23 crore has been proposed for establishing a new dairy plant in Mathura. The fisheries sector will benefit from ₹100 crore for setting up a state-level fish wholesale market, an integrated aqua park and a fish processing center.

To strengthen food security infrastructure, ₹25 crore has been allocated for constructing new warehouses under what the government described as the world’s largest foodgrain storage initiative.

Education and Women-Centric Initiatives

The Budget outlines plans to transform all primary schools into “Smart Schools” under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Additionally, ₹580 crore has been set aside to establish girls’ schools in blocks that currently lack Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.

In maternal healthcare, the government has assured cashless deliveries under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram.

Health Infrastructure and Insurance Expansion

Under the National Child Health Programme, two medical teams will be deployed in every block to conduct health checkups at Anganwadi centers and schools.

For healthcare coverage, ₹2,000 crore has been allocated to the Ayushman Bharat–National Health Protection Mission, while ₹500 crore has been earmarked for the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Together, these schemes are expected to benefit nearly 50 lakh families.

All 75 districts are being aligned with the National Mental Health Programme under the District Mental Health Programme framework.

Medical Colleges and Specialised Care

The government has allocated ₹1,023 crore for establishing 14 new medical colleges under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aiming to cover 16 districts that currently lack such facilities.

Specialised healthcare has also been prioritized, with ₹315 crore proposed for the Cancer Institute in Lucknow and ₹130 crore allocated for free treatment of incurable diseases.

Strengthening the AYUSH Sector

A substantial ₹2,867 crore has been proposed to support more than 3,900 Ayurvedic, Unani and Homoeopathic hospitals across the state. The Budget also includes modernization plans for two state-run drug manufacturing units in Lucknow and Pilibhit.

With heavy investments across employment, infrastructure, healthcare and education, the Yogi Adityanath government has positioned the ₹9.12 lakh crore Budget as a comprehensive development blueprint for Uttar Pradesh’s next fiscal year.