Suresh Kumar Khanna presented a ₹9.12 lakh crore Budget for the financial year 2026–27 in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, marking an increase of around 12% over the previous year. This is the last full Budget of the government’s second term before the Assembly elections, with a pronounced focus on employment generation, investment, skill development, women empowerment and infrastructure expansion.
The total outlay stands at ₹9,12,696 crore, described by the government as development-oriented and employment-driven. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Budget includes targeted measures aimed at youth and women voters.
Among the key announcements is a commitment to provide employment to 10 lakh (1 million) youth and financial assistance of ₹1 lakh for the marriage of girls.
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Strong Push for Jobs and Skills
The Finance Minister said the government will work in mission mode to create employment opportunities for 10 lakh youth. Capacity at skill development training centres will be expanded, and new centres will be established across districts.
Skill enhancement and job placement centres will be set up under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to improve workforce readiness. Separate training centres for women are also proposed to boost their participation in the labour force.
The government emphasised that individuals equipped with vocational skills and technical expertise are less likely to remain unemployed, underscoring its intent to prioritise employment-linked training programmes.
Digital and Industrial Initiatives
The Budget also announced the rollout of a Digital Entrepreneurship Scheme, aimed at encouraging start-ups and technology-based enterprises. As part of the next phase of Ease of Doing Business reforms, registration and licensing procedures will be further simplified under a “trust-based governance” framework.
Under a World Bank-assisted project, Agri-Export Hubs will be established to enhance agricultural exports and strengthen rural incomes.
Investment and Manufacturing Milestones
The government highlighted that following the Global Investors Summit held in February 2024, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth approximately ₹50 lakh crore have been signed, with the potential to generate around 10 lakh jobs. Projects worth ₹15 lakh crore linked to more than 16,000 initiatives have already progressed through multiple ground-breaking ceremonies.
Uttar Pradesh was projected as India’s largest mobile phone manufacturing hub, accounting for 65% of the country’s total mobile production. Electronics exports from the state have reportedly reached ₹44,744 crore, and 55% of India’s electronics component units are located in the state.
Social Signalling and Political Undertones
The announcement of ₹1 lakh financial assistance for girls’ marriages is being seen as both a social welfare measure and a politically significant move in the run-up to elections. The Budget places special emphasis on women, youth and farmers, indicating a calibrated outreach strategy.
The government also noted an improvement in Uttar Pradesh’s ranking in the SDG India Index from 29th position in 2018–19 to 18th in 2023–24. Commitments to strengthening healthcare, education and law and order were reiterated.
Overall Message
The ₹9.12 lakh crore Budget seeks to accelerate economic momentum through job creation, skill enhancement and industrial expansion. By promising large-scale employment and direct financial support for girls, the government has signalled that youth and women remain central to its policy priorities.
Presented ahead of elections, the Budget serves not only as an economic roadmap but also as a political statement—balancing development, investment and welfare to consolidate broader public support.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
