UP Government Doubles PM Awas Yojana (Rural) Budget to ₹4,882 Crore
The Uttar Pradesh Government has allocated ₹4,882 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) in the 2025-26 financial year, doubling the previous year's allocation of ₹2,441 crore. The increased budget is aimed at accelerating the construction of rural housing, ensuring more economically weaker families have access to permanent shelter. The scheme, implemented by the state's rural development department, is expected to facilitate the construction of over 30 lakh houses in the coming year.
Since its launch in 2016, around 36 lakh houses have been constructed in Uttar Pradesh under this initiative. At the national level, the central government has set a target of constructing 4.95 crore rural houses by March 2029, focusing on improving housing conditions across the country.
According to the Union Ministry of Rural Development, as of February 2025, a total of 3.79 crore houses have been allotted to various states and union territories under the scheme. Of these, 3.34 crore houses have been sanctioned, and 2.69 crore houses have been completed. The increased allocation by the Uttar Pradesh government is expected to contribute to the overall progress of the scheme, ensuring that more eligible families receive housing assistance.
The state government has also allocated ₹1,200 crore for the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), which supplements the central scheme. This represents an increase from the ₹1,140 crore allocated in the previous year, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to rural housing development.
Beyond housing, the state government has also prioritized rural employment and infrastructure. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has been allocated ₹5,372 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with a target of generating 34 crore person-days of employment. This scheme provides wage employment to rural workers, offering financial support to families and boosting economic activity in rural areas.
The government has also allocated ₹1,088 crore for the maintenance of village roads. In the previous financial year, ₹3,668 crore had been set aside for this purpose. These funds will be used for the upkeep of roads, improving connectivity and facilitating access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets. Better infrastructure in rural areas is expected to enhance overall economic growth and support livelihood opportunities.
The state government has also increased its focus on skill development for rural youth. Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, ₹427 crore has been allocated for training programs designed to equip individuals with job-oriented skills. These programs aim to enhance employability and prepare rural youth for diverse job opportunities. By investing in skill development, the government seeks to address unemployment and create a workforce that can contribute effectively to various industries. Providing vocational training and technical expertise is expected to help individuals secure stable employment and improve their economic conditions.
These allocations reflect a broader effort to improve housing, employment, and infrastructure in rural areas. The increased funding for multiple schemes highlights the government’s intent to strengthen rural development. While the increased allocations indicate a strong commitment to rural development, their long-term impact will be determined by how effectively the resources are deployed on the ground.