The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated INR 2,441 crore for the PMAY-Rural scheme, following the Union Budget's INR 32,000 crore earmark to construct 2 crore housing units in rural areas. In 2022-23, UP built over 28 lakh units, 96 percent of the set target. Subsequently, INR 9,000 crore was allocated in 2023-24. This allocation aligns with the government’s rural sector focus ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. UP, along with other states, is pivotal for housing unit construction. Additionally, the state allocated INR 1,140 crore for Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (rural) and doubled funds for toilet construction under Swachh Bharat Mission.
The Uttar Pradesh government's recent allocation of INR 2,441 crore for the PMAY-Rural initiative echoes the Union Budget's commitment of INR 32,000 crore to construct 2 crore housing units in rural areas. In 2022-23, UP exceeded expectations by building over 28 lakh rural housing units, nearly reaching 96% of the fiscal target. Subsequently, INR 9,000 crore was allocated for the scheme in 2023-24.
This fresh budgetary allocation underscores the government's renewed focus on rural development ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections. UP, alongside Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, is identified as crucial for the construction of maximum housing units in 2024-25.
To complement the central rural housing scheme, UP earmarked INR 1,140 crore for the state's version of Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (rural), consistent with the previous year's allocation of INR 1,203 crore.
In addition to housing, the government allocated funds of over INR 4,800 crore for toilet construction under the Swachh Bharat Mission, doubling the previous year's allocation. Administered by the Panchayati Raj department, this initiative plays a vital role in rural sanitation efforts.
The state government's commitment to rural development extends beyond housing and sanitation to include sports infrastructure. A budgetary provision of INR 25 crore has been made for rural stadium and open gymnasium, emphasizing the importance of promoting sports in rural areas.
Rural road connectivity remains a priority for the state government, with an allocation of INR 3,665 crore for the current year. Although this amount is lower than the allocation in 2023-24, when INR 5,966 crore were allocated, it reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance rural infrastructure.
Overall, the Uttar Pradesh government's allocation of funds for various rural development initiatives demonstrates a concerted effort to address key issues such as housing, sanitation, sports infrastructure, and road connectivity. These initiatives not only contribute to the overall development of rural areas but also align with the government's broader goal of improving the quality of life for residents and fostering inclusive growth across the state.