Uttar Pradesh government has presented a budget of ₹9,12,696 crore, placing women’s empowerment at the core of its development strategy. The budget aims to strengthen the rural economy, promote women’s entrepreneurship, and make women self-reliant. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna stated that this budget will accelerate the pace of development in the state and reflects the government’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
Uttar Pradesh Women Entrepreneur Credit Card Scheme, ₹200 crore has been allocated. This initiative will provide easy, phased, and interest-free capital to women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) to start small businesses. The scheme aims to free women from loan dependency and makes them self-reliant entrepreneurs, leading to sustained income growth for rural families.
The government is focused on economically empowering women by providing them with sustainable income-generating opportunities. In line with this, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that under the Chief Minister Youth Entrepreneur Development Campaign, interest-free loans will also be available to young entrepreneurs for establishing small industries, thereby promoting both employment and self-employment.
To ensure women’s products reach the market, ₹100 crore has been allocated under the Chief Minister Women Entrepreneur Product Marketing Scheme. Showrooms and shops will be leased at railway stations, bus terminals, airports, and major markets for three years. These outlets will be fully managed by women, with the government covering rental costs for the initial three years. After this period, SHGs and women entrepreneurs will take over the operation of these centres.
A Development-Oriented Budget: Finance Minister Khanna emphasized that this budget would provide new direction to the state’s overall development while accelerating socio-economic empowerment. Overall, the budget is seen as a significant step toward promoting women’s entrepreneurship, increasing rural incomes, and fostering self-reliance.
FAQs:
1. What is the total budget of Uttar Pradesh for 2026–27?
The total budget is ₹9,12,696 crore, with a focus on women empowerment and rural development.
2. How much funding is allocated for women entrepreneurs?
₹200 crore has been allocated under the Women Entrepreneur Credit Card Scheme for SHG-linked women entrepreneurs.
3. What is the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative?
It provides interest-free loans and sustainable income opportunities for women to become financially independent.
4. How will women’s products reach the market?
₹100 crore is allocated for leasing outlets at key locations like airports, railway stations, and major markets, managed entirely by women.
5. How does this budget help rural income?
By promoting women entrepreneurship and self-employment, rural families gain sustainable income, reducing dependence on external loans.
