UP Government’s Rs 28,760.67 Crore Supplementary Budget Prioritizes Election Promises and Key Sectors
The state government of Uttar Pradesh unveiled a supplementary budget of Rs 28,760.67 crore, with a focus on keeping the promises made by the ruling BJP during the Assembly elections two years ago. This comes as the state gets ready for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. To show that the government is committed to helping farmers, a sizeable portion of the budget—Rs 900 crore—has been set aside to provide free electricity to private tubewell connections. The UP Cooperative Sugar Mill Association has been given Rs 400 crore as a vital next step to settle the outstanding debts of cane growers. In addition, Rs 50 crore has been set aside for the season of 2022–2023 sugarcane procurement, and Rs 100 crore for the season of 2023–2024. Presenting the supplemental budget, State Finance Minister Suresh Khanna noted that expenditures from the revenue account totaled Rs 19,046 crore, while those from the capital account were Rs 9,714 crore. Notably, the Power sector was allotted the largest amount—more than Rs 6,000 crore—with funds designated for particular projects like Ghatampur and Jawaharpur Thermal Power. Infrastructure projects were also given top priority; funds were set aside for the Ganga Expressway, the Lucknow and Kanpur Metro Rail projects, and programs like the Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and smart metering. The budget also covers road projects, the development and renovation of places of worship, and the preservation of stray cattle. Important social welfare initiatives include the provision of Rs 51 crore in prize money to medal winners at the 19th Asian and Para Asian Games, Rs 27 crore for the welfare of fishermen, and Rs 250 crore for the care of stray cattle. With large funding for the Home Department, the Special Task Force (STF), and initiatives to combat cybercrime and naxalism-related activities, security and law and order have not been neglected. The government’s strategic approach to fulfilling electoral promises, addressing important sectors, and guaranteeing comprehensive development across various facets of the state is emphasized by the supplemental budget. The budget, which combines targeted funding with populist measures, creates the conditions for heated discussions and debates in the run-up to the elections.