The Uttar Pradesh government’s budget presented on Thursday has allocated Rs 100 crores each for the preparation of Mahakumbh Mela-2025 at Prayagraj; Kanha Gaushala (cowshed) and Destitute Animal Shelter Scheme; for the development and beautification of tourism facilities in Varanasi and for the same at Ayodhya.
Ayodhya and Varanasi—the two cities which are the focus of this government—have got more. There is a provision of Rs 300 crores for the construction of an approach road to Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Rs 209.70 crore proposed for the development of public facilities and parking in Ayodhya and Rs 140 crores for the overall development of Ayodhya. Varanasi is to get Rs 77 crore for the expansion of the approach road from Nirmal Ganga bank to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The city is also set to get Rs 95 crores for an international cricket stadium. There is also a Rs 500 crore provision for the construction of a 4-lane model road from Rajghat bridge to Ramnagar in the opposite direction of Ganga Ghat.
Metro rails are also a focus area of the budget. The Kanpur metro project is to get Rs 747 crore; the Agra metro will receive Rs 597 crore while projects in Varanasi and Gorakhpur shall receive Rs 100 crore.
To curb crimes against women, a focus area of this government, three women battalions are to be constituted in Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Badaun. Cyber Help Desks will be set up in all districts of the state.
Law and order is to get a boost with Rs 276.66 crores allotted for the setting up of a UP Special Security Force and Rs 730.88 crores for strengthening of Police Emergency Management System. Women safety programmes will be launched in Lucknow, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj with Rs 523.34 crore. Rs. 250 crore has been allocated for safety equipment, arms and ammunition for district police stations.
The size for this year’s budget is Rs 6,15, 518.97 crore of which Rs 39,181.10 crore is to be spent on new schemes.