UP Budget 2025-26 Key Highlights: Rs 8.08 lakh crore outlay with focus on AI, education, and urban development

Establishment of an "Artificial Intelligence City" to position UP as an AI innovation hub

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna on Thursday presented the state's Budget for the financial year 2025-26, amounting to Rs 8,08,736 crore. The budget, which is 9.8 percent higher than the previous year, focuses on research & development, Information Technology, education, and urban development, while also introducing key social welfare initiatives.

Key Announcements:

Budget Overview: Total budget outlay: Rs 8,08,736 crore

• 9.8 percent increase from the previous budget
• 22 percent allocation for development, 13 percent for education, 11 percent for agriculture, and 6 percent for health

• Establishment of an "Artificial Intelligence City" to position UP as an AI innovation hub
• Proposal for a Technology Research Translation Park in Cybersecurity
• Modernization of the state legislative assembly with advanced IT systems

• Establishment of ICT labs and smart classrooms in primary and secondary schools
• Upgradation of government polytechnics with smart classrooms and digital libraries
• Creation of a Centre of Excellence for AI and emerging technologies
• New scheme to provide scooters for meritorious female students to encourage higher education

• Rs 145 crore allocated to transform 58 urban local bodies into model smart urban bodies
• Revamp of Science City, Science Parks, and Planetariums to promote scientific curiosity Social Welfare & Labor Initiatives:
• New labor hubs with canteens, drinking water, bathing areas, and toilets for construction workers
• Six new forensic science laboratories in Ayodhya, Basti, Banda, Azamgarh, Mirzapur, and Saharanpur

• Rs 27 crore allocated for an autonomous medical college in Ballia
• Rs 25 crore allocated for an autonomous medical college in Balrampur