Budget 2026: Uttar Pradesh rises from 'Bottom-3 to Top-3 states' in 9 years: CM Yogi

• Yogi Adityanath praises the achievements of budget 2026-27 and financial discipline in Assembly
• CM Yogi says the transformation over 9 years is the result of clear policy, clean intent and effective financial management
• Chief Minister calls the budget historic; for the first time in the state’s history, a CM gets the opportunity to present the budget for the 10th time
• Priority given to capital expenditure, one rupee invested in infrastructure yields 5 to 6 times return: CM

Lucknow: While participating in the discussion on budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Assembly on Friday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Over the past 9 years, Uttar Pradesh has moved out of the category of the bottom three states and secured a place among the top three states in the country." He said this transformation is the outcome of clear policies, clean intent and effective financial management.

Calling the ₹9,12,696 crore budget historic, the Chief Minister said, "For the first time in the history of Uttar Pradesh, a Chief Minister has received the opportunity to present the budget for the 10th time." Responding to questions raised by the opposition regarding financial approvals, he clarified that approvals are issued on time and the expenditure process is completely transparent.

On fiscal discipline, CM countered the opposition by stating that in 2016-17, the fiscal deficit stood at 4.39% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), which is being reduced to 2.97% in 2025-26. Similarly, the debt burden has declined from nearly 30% to around 26%, with a target of bringing it down to 23% by 2026-27.

He further noted that in 2016-17, the per capita income was around ₹43,000, which has increased to more than ₹1,20,000 by the end of 2024-25. "This change reflects the growing economic strength and pace of development in Uttar Pradesh", he said.

The Chief Minister added that in 2016-17, Uttar Pradesh ranked at the lower end among large states, but today the state has increased its GSDP from ₹13 lakh crore to ₹36 lakh crore, with a target of reaching ₹40 lakh crore in 2026-27.

Chief Minister said, "The purpose of discussions on demands for grants is to guide departments so that they can begin work in a planned manner from the very start of the new financial year. All departments are moving forward with their respective action plans to ensure effective implementation of the budget."

He emphasized that capital expenditure has been given priority in the state. In 2016-17, capital expenditure was around ₹71,000 crore, which has now increased to more than ₹1,77,000 crore. Investment in infrastructure, he said, accelerates employment generation and economic activity. Infrastructure spending not only creates physical assets but also promotes job creation, industrial expansion, and overall economic momentum. According to experts, one rupee invested in infrastructure generates returns of five to six times.

CM stated that the goal of making Uttar Pradesh a one-trillion-dollar economy is being advanced through this budget. He added that Uttar Pradesh will play a crucial role in realizing the vision of a Developed India, and this budget is a concrete step in that direction.

Earlier, CM thanked the Speaker for the smooth conduct of the House, noting that during the two-week budget session, from the Governor’s address to discussions under various rules and a detailed debate on the budget, meaningful deliberations took place on all issues. He said this reflects the dignity and responsibility of the Assembly as the highest democratic institution.

Chief Minister informed the House that the General Budget 2026-27 was presented by his colleague, Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna. He said he listened carefully to the statements of Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey and senior member Shivpal Singh Yadav and appreciated the suggestions given by all members.

He further shared that a total of 167 members participated in the budget discussion, including 109 from the ruling side and 58 from the opposition. There was also extensive discussion on demands for grants. Calling it an example of healthy parliamentary tradition, the Chief Minister said that dialogue is indeed the path to solutions.