Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has highlighted that each budget presented in Uttar Pradesh over the past eight years has carried a unique theme, signaling the state’s changing priorities. The focus of the 2017-18 budget was on farmers, while the 2018-19 budget aimed at bolstering infrastructure and industrial growth.

During his over two-hour address in the state assembly on Tuesday, CM Yogi discussed all facets of the budget and responded to opposition queries, marking the debate for the 2025-26 budget, which was presented on February 20 and totals over ₹8.08 lakh crore.

In the 2019-20 budget, the emphasis shifted toward women’s empowerment, followed by a focus on youth and infrastructure development in the 2020-21 budget. The 2021-22 budget was themed ‘Empowerment through Self-Reliance,’ evolving into ‘Self-Reliance through Antyodaya’ in the 2022-23 budget.

The 2023-24 budget aimed to lay the groundwork for a ‘Self-Reliant Uttar Pradesh’ through comprehensive and inclusive growth, and the 2024-25 budget was dedicated to the welfare of Lord Shri Ram and the community at large.

This year, in the 2025-26 budget, CM Yogi announced the central focus on uplifting the poor, farmers, youth, and women, inspired by the Sanatan cultural principle of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.’ He noted, “In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of prioritizing the underprivileged, this budget aims to steer Uttar Pradesh towards becoming a developed state. It encompasses diverse priorities—ranging from Antyodaya to economic advancement, the ease of living and doing business, agriculture, welfare for the disadvantaged, spirituality, education, self-reliance, culture, prosperity, and a strong dedication to women’s empowerment.”

He stated, “The budget for 2025-26 surpasses ₹8 lakh 8 thousand 736 crore, making it the largest in the country and nearly two-and-a-half times the ₹3.46 lakh crore budget of 2016-17, reflecting a 9.8 percent increase over the 2024-25 budget.”

CM Yogi underscored that this budget expansion signifies more than just increased spending; it represents the government’s commitment to grassroots development, enhancing infrastructure, and elevating living standards while driving economic growth. The significant budget size is indicative of the state’s growing capabilities and the government’s dedication to public welfare and economic development.

He informed that in 2016-17, total revenue receipts were ₹2 lakh 56 thousand 875 crore. As of January in the current financial year, the revenue has exceeded ₹4 lakh 10 thousand crore. For the upcoming year, total receipts are forecasted at ₹7 lakh 79 thousand 242 crore, comprising revenue receipts of ₹6 lakh 62 thousand 690 crore and capital receipts of ₹1 lakh 16 thousand 551 crore. Tax revenue is estimated to account for ₹5 lakh 50 thousand 172 crore of the revenue.

CM Yogi noted, “The state’s share in central taxes stands at ₹2 lakh 55 thousand 172 crore, with an estimated state tax revenue of ₹2 lakh 95 thousand crore. Notably, 45 percent of total revenue receipts are expected to come from our own tax revenue, positioning Uttar Pradesh second in the country for own tax revenue receipts during the years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25.”

He outlined that total expenditure for 2025-26 is projected at ₹8 lakh 8 thousand 736 crore 6 lakh, divided into ₹5 lakh 83 thousand 174 crore for revenue account expenses and ₹2 lakh 25 thousand 561 crore for capital account expenses.

He explained, “Capital expenditure directs economic development, fostering industry, enhancing supply chains, boosting private investment, and generating employment. This synergy of construction and job creation cultivates a sustainable and rapidly growing economy. The budget allocates capital expenditures totaling ₹2 lakh 25 thousand 561 crore, representing about 20.5 percent of the overall budget.”

The CM also mentioned the inclusion of numerous new schemes in the budget, with a provision of ₹28 thousand 478 crore. The state’s per capita income rose from ₹52,671 in 2016-17 to an estimated ₹93,514 in 2023-24.

The projected fiscal deficit for the upcoming year is ₹91 thousand 399 crore 80 lakh, constituting 2.97 percent of the anticipated GSDP, which remains within the permissible limit set by FRBM guidelines.

CM Yogi articulated that the state government’s vision encompasses security, development, and good governance, with fiscal discipline embedded in the budget. He asserted that the government has accelerated development while adhering to sound financial practices. According to a report by NITI Aayog, Uttar Pradesh has been classified as a front-runner state.

He added that since 2018-19 to 2022-23, the consolidated fiscal health index of the state rose by 8.9 points, showcasing substantial improvements in expenditure quality. Capital expenditure during this period ranged between 14.8 to 19.3 percent of total expenditure, exceeding the average ratio of major states.

He pointed out that according to an RBI study for 2024-25, Uttar Pradesh has consistently maintained a high share of 9.9 percent, 10.5 percent, and 11.6 percent in own tax receipts in comparison to other states in recent years, ranking just after Maharashtra. Notably, the state’s interest expenditure against revenue receipts decreased significantly compared to national averages.

CM Yogi declared that Uttar Pradesh, being the largest state in India, has transformed its GSDP from 12.75 lakh crores (1950-2017) to a projected 27.51 lakh crores by 2024-25. The goal for 2025-26 is set at 30.77 lakh crores. With a 9.2% share of India’s GDP, Uttar Pradesh ranks second nationally, boasting an impressive growth rate of 11.6 percent compared to India’s overall GDP growth rate of 9.6 percent for 2023-2024.

He underscored that for the past five years, Uttar Pradesh has achieved a revenue surplus, largely due to efforts in minimizing tax evasion and curtailing revenue leakages. “Digital mechanisms have enhanced transparency, ensuring every rupee is directed toward state development and welfare. Importantly, no new taxes have been introduced over the past eight years, and despite having the nation’s lowest fuel prices, Uttar Pradesh continues to excel as a revenue surplus state. This achievement is deeply rooted in the principles of Ramrajya—governance characterized by justice, welfare, and overall prosperity.”

In his address, the Chief Minister recited a verse from Tulsidas, elaborating that taxes should be levied like the Sun draws water quietly, bringing joy and benefits to the people when invested in public welfare. He concluded with a reaffirmation of his government’s commitment to ensuring that tax revenues lead directly to significant development and improvements in public welfare for all citizens.