UP Budget 2026: Rs 18,620 crore for women & child welfare, major boost to empowerment schemes!

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, on Wednesday, presented the Budget 2026-27 of the Yogi Adityanath government, highlighting major initiatives aimed at strengthening women empowerment and child welfare across the state.

In the UP Budget 2026, the state government has proposed an allocation of approximately Rs 18,620 crore for women and child development schemes, marking an 11 per cent increase compared to the financial year 2025–26.

Strong financial inclusion through BC Sakhis

UP FM Suresh Khanna announced that 39,880 BC Sakhis (Business Correspondent Sakhis) operated throughout 58,000 gram panchayats to conduct financial operations, which totalled more than Rs 39,000 crore in his budget address. The activities generated approximately Rs 107 crore in income for them, which demonstrated successful grassroots financial inclusion efforts.

Boost to women-led enterprises

Under the Mahila Samarthya Yojana, five milk producer companies were proposed in the state. Companies have already been formed, and milk procurement and marketing operations have started in Gorakhpur, Bareilly, and Raebareli districts. Similar companies are proposed in Prayagraj and Lucknow.

Women sugarcane farmers are also being given priority in the issuance of cane slips, benefiting nearly 60,000 women farmers across the state.

Safety for working women

Under the Safe City project, the deployment of women police beats, an extensive CCTV network, and Anti-Romeo squads has strengthened safety at public places and workplaces, Khanna said.

To further support working women, Working Women Hostels are being constructed in municipal corporation areas, ensuring secure accommodation in urban centres.

Mission Shakti continues to integrate safety, health, and employment services, enhancing women’s self-reliance and social participation. The minister also highlighted that under the Mukhyamantri Sumangala Yojana, 26.81 lakh girls have benefited as of January 2026.

UP Budget 2026: Women and Child Development Allocation

The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026–27 allocates approximately Rs 18,620 crore to fund women and child development programs. This amount is 11 per cent higher than the budget for the previous financial year 2025-26.

Rs 3,500 crore for Nirashrit Mahila Pension Yojana

The Nirashrit Mahila Pension Yojana is proposed to receive Rs 3,500 crore as its main budget allocation. The number of beneficiaries under this scheme has seen steady growth over the years. The scheme started in 2016–17 with coverage of 17.32 lakh women and currently, in 2025–26, has covered 38,58,922 beneficiaries.

Rs 400 crore for Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana

The UP government has proposed to allocate Rs 400 crore through the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana to fund welfare programs and educational initiatives for girls.

Marriage grant doubled under Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana

Additionally, under the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana, the financial assistance for the marriage of daughters from all sections of society has been increased from Rs 51,000 to Rs 1.01 lakh. A budgetary provision of Rs 750 crore has been proposed for the scheme.

Infrastructure support for working women

To support working women, Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the construction of hostels. Additionally, Rs 35 crore has been proposed under the Mukhyamantri Shramjeevi Mahila Chhatrawas Nirman Yojana for building hostels for working women.

Strengthening child welfare initiatives

For child welfare, Rs 252 crore has been proposed for the Uttar Pradesh Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana. An additional Rs 80 crore has been allocated for building infrastructure under the Mukhyamantri Bal Ashray Yojana.

Continued focus on supplementary nutrition

The government also stated that around 1.57 crore beneficiaries are currently receiving supplementary nutrition under various state programs.