Introduction
In the fiscal year 2021–22, the Uttar Pradesh State Government introduced several new schemes aimed at bolstering the state’s socio-economic framework. With a budget allocation of ₹5,50,270.8 crore, including ₹27,598.4 crore dedicated to new initiatives, the government focused on areas such as agriculture, health, infrastructure, and employment. This analysis delves into the specific schemes introduced and evaluates their impacts on Uttar Pradesh’s socio-economic system.
Key Schemes Introduced in the 2021–22 Budget
1. Atmanirbhar Krishak Samanvit Vikas Yojana
Objective: To double farmers’ income by 2022 through the promotion of productive crops, adoption of new technologies, and market development.
Allocation: ₹100 crore
Impact:
- Agricultural Productivity: By identifying region-specific productive crops and encouraging modern farming techniques, the scheme aimed to enhance crop yields and profitability for farmers.
- Market Access: Developing distribution channels facilitated better market access, ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce.
- Economic Upliftment: Increased income for farmers contributed to rural economic growth and reduced poverty levels.
2. Mukhyamantri Saksham Suposhan Yojana
Objective: To combat malnutrition among women and children by providing nutritional supplements alongside dry rations.
Target Group: Children below five years and girls aged 11 to 14 suffering from anemia.
Impact:
- Health Improvement: The provision of nutritional supplements addressed deficiencies, leading to better health outcomes among the target groups.
- Educational Benefits: Improved health in young girls contributed to better school attendance and academic performance.
- Long-term Socio-Economic Benefits: Healthier children are likely to become more productive adults, contributing positively to the state’s economy.
3. Mukhyamantri Pravasi Shramik Udyamita Vikas Yojana
Objective: To provide employment and self-employment opportunities to migrant workers who returned to the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Allocation: ₹100 crore
Impact:
- Employment Generation: The scheme facilitated skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities, aiding in the economic reintegration of migrant workers.
- Economic Diversification: Encouraging self-employment led to the growth of small businesses, contributing to economic diversification.
- Social Stability: Gainful employment reduced the socio-economic vulnerabilities of migrant workers, promoting social stability.
4. Infrastructure Development Initiatives
Key Allocations:
- Ayodhya Development: ₹140 crore for the overall development of Ayodhya.
- Airport Projects: ₹101 crore for Ayodhya airport; ₹2,000 crore for new airports in Jewar, Chitrakoot, and Sonbhadra.
- Expressways: ₹750 crore for Gorakhpur Expressway; ₹1,107 crore for Purvanchal Expressway; ₹1,492 crore for Bundelkhand Expressway; ₹7,200 crore for land acquisition and ₹489 crore for construction of the Ganga Expressway Project.
Impact:
- Enhanced Connectivity: Improved infrastructure facilitated better connectivity within the state and with neighboring regions, promoting trade and commerce.
- Economic Growth: Infrastructure projects spurred economic activities, attracting investments and generating employment opportunities.
- Regional Development: Focused development in specific regions, such as Ayodhya, aimed to promote balanced regional growth.
5. Health Sector Initiatives
Key Allocations:
- COVID-19 Vaccination: ₹50 crore for vaccination schemes.
- Diagnostic Infrastructure: ₹1,073 crore for primary healthcare facilities.
- Urban Health and Wellness Centers: ₹425 crore allocated.
- National Digital Health Mission: ₹23 crore proposed.
Impact:
- Improved Healthcare Access: Investments in healthcare infrastructure enhanced access to medical services, especially in rural areas.
- Pandemic Response: Allocation for COVID-19 vaccination facilitated the state’s response to the pandemic, aiming for widespread immunization.
- Digital Health Integration: The National Digital Health Mission aimed to integrate digital technologies into healthcare, improving service delivery and record-keeping.
6. Education and Skill Development
Key Allocations:
- Girl Students’ Empowerment: ₹1,200 crore under Mukhya Mantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana to provide tablets to girl students.
- Model Career Centers: Proposal to set up centers in 12 additional districts.
Impact:
- Educational Empowerment: Providing tablets to girl students promoted digital learning and reduced the digital divide.
- Skill Development: Establishing career centers facilitated skill development and employment opportunities for the youth.
- Gender Equality: Focus on girl students aimed to promote gender equality in education and employment.
Conclusion
The 2021–22 budget of the Uttar Pradesh State Government introduced a series of schemes targeting critical areas such as agriculture, health, infrastructure, and education. These initiatives were designed to address immediate socio-economic challenges and lay the foundation for long-term sustainable development. While the allocations and objectives were well-defined, the actual impact would depend on effective implementation, continuous monitoring, and adaptive strategies to address emerging challenges.
