Uttar Pradesh Budget 2019: Highlights from the Budget speech
On Thursday, the much-awaited Uttar Pradesh Budget was announced for the financial year 2019-20. The Budget was announced by UP Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal, and is the Yogi Adityanath government's third budget. The Rs. 4.79 lakh crore Budget marked a 12% increase from the previous Budget for financial year 2018-19. Here are the major highlights.
Major allotments made for rural development
In the domain of rural development, a provision of Rs. 6,240cr was made for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), while Rs. 3,488cr was allotted for the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). A provision of Rs. 3,000cr was made for a piped drinking water scheme in the Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions, while Rs. 2,954cr and Rs. 1,393cr was allotted for the National Rural Drinking Water Program and the National Rural Livelihood Mission respectively.
Allocations made for infrastructural development
In the domain of infrastructure, a total of Rs. 3,194cr was allotted for the construction of expressways, including Rs. 1,194cr for the Purvanchal Expressway and Rs. 1,000cr each for Bundelkhand Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway. Additionally, Rs. 13,135cr provision was announced for road development under PWD. Meanwhile, a whopping Rs. 6,000cr was allotted for the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural).
Healthcare allocations announced in the Budget
In the domain of healthcare, Rs. 1,298cr was allotted for the Ayushman Bharat scheme, while Rs. 111cr was allotted for the state-funded Mukhya Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan. Further, a Rs. 908cr provision was made for upgrading identified district hospitals into medical colleges, in a bid to boost medical education in the state.
Rs. 18,485cr was allocated for basic education
For education, a budget provision of Rs. 18,485cr was made for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, while a budget provision of Rs. 2,275cr was made for the Mid-Day Meal program. Further, a Rs. 500cr provision was made for the development of infrastructural facilities at primary and senior primary schools, and several hundred crores were allotted for distribution of shoes, socks, sweaters, and school bags to underprivileged students.
Allocations for urban development and housing
In the domain of housing and urban planning, a provision of Rs. 5,156cr was made for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). A provision of Rs. 2,200cr was made for the AMRUT Scheme, while another provision of Rs. 2,000cr was made for the Smart City Mission. For the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), a provision of Rs. 1,500cr was made. Several hundred crores were also allotted for metro rail projects.
Allocations made for boosting agriculture
To boost agriculture, the UP government has made a Rs. 892cr provision for the National Agriculture Development Scheme, and a Rs. 450cr provision for the National Crop Insurance Program. Warehouse construction programs have also been approved in 40 mandi sites, while a decision to develop 500 markets in rural areas at a cost of Rs. 150cr has also been approved.
