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The Uttar Pradesh government's recently announced budget reflects a strong commitment to social welfare, particularly for its most vulnerable populations. A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to schemes aimed at improving the lives of the elderly, farmers, and marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Divyangjans (persons with disabilities), and minorities. This commitment to inclusive development is a key theme running through the budgetary allocations.
One of the most prominent initiatives is the provision of a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 under the Old Age/Farmer Pension Scheme. With a substantial allocation of Rs 8,105 crore, this scheme aims to enhance the financial security of lakhs of elderly individuals and farmers across the state. This demonstrates a clear recognition of the economic challenges faced by these groups and aims to provide a crucial safety net. Further emphasizing support for women, the budget includes Rs 550 crore for the 'Mukhyamantri Mass Marriage Scheme,' designed to assist daughters from weaker sections with their marriages. Additional allocations of Rs 100 crore and Rs 50 crore are earmarked for marriage grants for daughters from poor SC families and economically weaker general category families, respectively. This multifaceted approach underscores the government's dedication to uplifting women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The budget also highlights a strong focus on education, particularly for marginalized communities. A considerable sum of Rs 968 crore has been allocated for pre-tenth and post-tenth scholarship schemes for SC students, while Rs 900 crore is earmarked for similar schemes for students from the general category. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by ST students, the government has allocated Rs 6 crore for their pre-tenth and post-tenth scholarship schemes. This commitment to education is crucial for empowering future generations and breaking the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. The inclusion of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-Janman) further reinforces the government's dedication to supporting the overall development of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs).
Addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, the budget allocates a substantial Rs 1,424 crore for the Divyang Maintenance Grant Scheme. Furthermore, Rs 35 crore is allocated for the purchase of artificial hearing aids and assistive devices, demonstrating a commitment to providing practical support and improving the quality of life for physically challenged individuals. The budget also reflects an effort to uplift minority communities with an allocation of Rs 1,998 crore. A significant portion of this amount, Rs 365 crore, is specifically earmarked for pre-tenth and post-tenth scholarship schemes, ensuring that minority students have access to education and opportunities to improve their futures. This targeted approach addresses specific needs within the minority community and promotes inclusivity.
In summary, the UP government's budget presents a comprehensive plan to improve the welfare of various vulnerable groups within the state. The substantial investments in pension schemes, marriage grants, education scholarships, and support for persons with disabilities demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive development. The allocation of substantial funds for the welfare of the elderly, farmers, and marginalized communities showcases the government's efforts towards ensuring a more equitable and just society. The success of these initiatives will depend on efficient implementation and monitoring, ensuring that the allocated funds reach the intended beneficiaries and achieve the desired outcomes. The transparent execution of these programs will be crucial in gauging the true impact of this budget on the lives of the people of Uttar Pradesh.
Source: UP govt allocates funds for welfare of elderly, farmers and marginalised communities in budget