Stating that the Union Budget recognises the power of sanatan economics, president of UP Development Forum (UPDF) Pankaj Jaiswal said that steps taken in the budget will go a long way in formalising its principles.“Budget has given India’s traditional economic model — rooted in festivals, temple tourism, and town-based economies — its first formal policy recognition,” Jaiswal said.
“Inspired by the economic impact of the Kumbh Mela, the govt is now focusing on Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns and heritage cities, signalling a development approach anchored in India’s cultural and civilisational strengths,” he added.“The Kumbh Mela under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath showed that faith-based events are not only religious gatherings but powerful economic drivers. The Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya circuits boosted local trade, employment, healthcare, logistics, and hospitality, forming a robust economic ecosystem,” he said.“The Budget proposes developing Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns as City Economic Regions (CERs), extending the ‘Viksit Town’ vision. Strengthening these towns will benefit surrounding villages, farmers, and artisans, while creating fulfilment hubs for larger cities. With the highest number of towns and urban centres, Uttar Pradesh stands to gain the most,” he said.“For the first time, the term ‘Temple City’ appeared in a budget speech, highlighting the economic potential of temple towns. Key UP heritage and religious centres — including Mathura, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Hastinapur, Sarnath, and Kushinagar — are poised to benefit from these measures,” he said.Jaiswal added that the inland waterway from Varanasi to Patna would further enhance logistics and revive river-based commerce.“With its extensive river network, UP can integrate road, rail, air, and inland water connectivity, emerging as a hub for India’s new development model rooted in eternal economics, temple tourism, and town-led growth,” he said.
