Yogi-led UP govt presents biggest ever state budget

LUCKNOW: Lord Ram was centre stage during the presentation of the Uttar Pradesh budget with Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna starting his speech with a verse from Ramcharitmanas and saying that the state government is inspired by the concept of ‘Ram Rajya’.

The Uttar Pradesh government presented the annual state budget to the tune of over Rs 7.36 lakh crore (Rs 7,36,437.71 crore) for the fiscal year 2024-25 here, on Monday, calling it the reflection of strategic approach towards social welfare coupled with economic development of the state.

Presenting the biggest-ever budget of Uttar Pradesh till date, UP Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said that it included new schemes worth Rs 24,863.57 crore.

Immediately after the presentation of the state budget, UP CM Yogi Adityanath took upon the opportunity to dedicate the state budget to Lord Ram saying Shri Ram epitomized the welfare of people and it was manifested in the state budget right from the beginning till the end.

“The presence of Shree Ram is manifested in the ethos, resolve and every word of this budget,” said the CM.

While interacting with media persons at a press meet, CM Yogi said that the state budget 2024-25 was a roadmap for comprehensive development of the state, aligning with people’s aspirations of the New Uttar Pradesh which was a reflection of celebration (utsav), effort (udyog) and hope (ummeed).

The CM said that the 8th budget of his government, 6.7 per cent up as compared to previous budget of 2023-24 which was Rs 6.90 lakh crore, focused on faith, Antyodaya and the economy.

While presenting the budget in the state assembly, UP Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said that the state government would ensure empowerment of women, youth and farmers besides employment generation in the state in 2024-25.