Prayagraj: With the state govt’s budget focusing on safe women, capable youth, prosperous farmers, and employment for all, along with investment in technology, it also addressed the overall development of all districts in the state.With Prayagraj registering a strong presence in the religious tourism sector, efforts were being made to connect nearby districts with this development. The budget called for the formation of the Prayagraj Chitrakoot Development Authority. The setting up of the Nishadraj Guha Cultural Centre in Shringverpur, Prayagraj, is also mentioned in the budget. New projects were proposed in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut and Prayagraj among the cities where Metro lines are planned. Prayagraj is among the districts where 5 milk producer companies are proposed to be formed under the Mahila Shakti Yojana. The budget includes a provision of Rs 2140 crore for the welfare of the disabled, an 8% increase compared to the 2025-26 budget. Among these, the establishment of a new childhood daycare centre in Fatehpur of Prayagraj division is prominent. Mahendra Goyal, state president of the Confederation of All India Traders Union, said: “The govt focused on the MSME and AI sectors in the budget. This will boost industries. The govt’s emphasis on artificial intelligence to upgrade industries in a timely manner is a step with far-reaching implications.” Mayanshi Singh, an AI creative strategist from Prayagraj, said: “The launch of the UP AI Mission is a major step, with a provision of Rs 225 crore. Additionally, Rs 328.2 million was allocated for the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence and an India AI Data Lab in the state. This will provide employment opportunities for youth, while the use of new technology in various sectors will ensure social and economic development.” The budget mentions the development of 17 municipal corporations of the state as solar cities. A provision of Rs 800 crore is proposed for various infrastructure works under the development plan of all the development authorities of the state. Under the ambitious Smart City Mission of the Govt of India, 10 cities of the state were selected among the total 100 cities of the country, which include Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Jhansi, Saharanpur and Moradabad, along with Prayagraj.
