Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna on Thursday (February 20, 2025) tabled ₹8,08,736 crore Budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the State Assembly with a focus on research & development and Information Technology.

Mr. Khanna in his Budget speech said 22% of the Budget has been allocated for development purposes, 13% for education, 11% for agriculture and related services, while six per cent has been allocated for health.

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“We have focussed on research, development and Information Technology in the Budget,” said Mr. Khanna. He began his address by praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and highlighting developments in the State under his leadership.

He also mentioned about the ongoing Maha Kumbh as he began his address. He described the Kumbh as not only a cultural and religious event but also a rare astronomical occurrence symbolising India’s ancient faith and cultural integrity.

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Mr. Khanna said the total Budget outlay for financial year 2025-26 is 9.8% higher from the Budget outlay for FY25. The size of the State’s Budget for 2024-25 was ₹7,36,437 crore that included new schemes worth ₹24,863.57 crore.

Mr. Khanna said the State Government will develop an Artificial Intelligence City and set up a park for technological research in Cyber Security. There are also provisions for the modernisation of the Legislative Assembly as well as the development of smart classes and laboratories in schools and polytechnics.