Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh is going to present its tenth budget in the Assembly tomorrow (Wednesday, February 11). In such a situation, tomorrow is considered very important for the politics of the state. This last full budget before the 2027 assembly elections seems to have been prepared keeping the welfare and empowerment of women at the center.
According to the information, in the estimated budget of around Rs 9 to 9.5 lakh crore, there is a special focus on schemes related to women, which include from increasing the pension of destitute women to distribution of scooters to meritorious girl students. This budget can prove to be an important step towards making women economically stronger and increasing their participation.
In this budget to be presented in the Assembly by Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, there is a possibility of increase of Rs 500 in pension for destitute women and elderly people under public welfare schemes. Currently this pension is an important support for women, and this increase will provide monthly financial relief to millions of women. This step of the government is being taken especially keeping in mind the rural and urban poor women, who often face financial constraints amidst family responsibilities. Their participation in self-help groups will be encouraged to promote the self-reliance of women.
The Central Government's She-Mart scheme is expected to find a place in the budget, which will provide women with market access and product selling opportunities. With this, rural women will be able to strengthen their handicrafts, agricultural products and other small businesses. According to experts, this scheme will promote economic independence of women and give them an opportunity to contribute to the family income.
Along with this, another important announcement is the distribution of scooters to meritorious girl students. This resolution of the government is likely to be fulfilled this year, which will promote girls' education and mobility. In rural areas where girls hesitate in going to school-college due to lack of transport, a facility like scooter will empower them. This will not only increase the education rate, but will also ensure the safety and independence of women. With one-fourth of the budget focused on infrastructure, women will get indirect benefits.
There is a possible allocation of Rs 1900 crore for development fund in backward areas like Purvanchal and Bundelkhand, which will create better health, education and employment opportunities for women. Local women can get industrial employment by getting a big package from Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority. Apart from this, the provision of Rs 45 thousand crore for roads and Rs 4700 crore for transport will make the travel of women safe and easy.
There is focus on women in the education sector also. Allocation of more than Rs 1.10 lakh crore for basic and secondary education will strengthen girls' education, while Rs 12 thousand crore for urban infrastructure will increase urban participation of women. Apart from this, provision of Rs 1000 crore for promotion of sports and more than Rs 25 crore for sports colleges will give girls the opportunity to progress in sports.
Overall, this budget seems to be an attempt to bring women into the mainstream of development. This strategy of CM Yogi Adityanath in the election year is an attempt to woo women, who represent half of the state's population. Although the real picture of the budget will be revealed tomorrow, it is believed that it can prove to be a positive step for women.
