LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, gave its nod to 25 significant proposals aimed at boosting the state’s infrastructure, higher education sector, and urban development. The decisions range from establishing new universities to approving critical bridge projects in Prayagraj and Bhadohi.
Among the major announcements was the approval of the supplementary budget for the financial year 2025-26, which has been tabled in the assembly. The cabinet also cleared a proposal to withdraw the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa (Payment of Salaries of Teachers and Other Employees) Bill, 2016.
Focus on Higher Education
The cabinet approved proposals to expand the state’s university network. The Kashi Naresh Government Post Graduate College in Bhadohi will be upgraded to the status of ‘Kashi Naresh University.’ To facilitate this, amendments to the State Universities Act, 1973, were approved.
Similarly, the way has been cleared for the establishment of ‘Swami Shukdevanand University’ in Shahjahanpur by integrating various units of the Mumukshu Ashram Trust. Additionally, a proposal to set up the ‘Uttar Pradesh University of Forestry and Horticulture’ in Gorakhpur also received the green signal.
Infrastructure Push: New Bridges
Strengthening connectivity in the state, the Public Works Department received approval for two major bridge projects. In Prayagraj, a four-lane segmental box girder bridge, complete with footpaths, will be constructed over the Ganga river. This structure will connect the Salori-Hetapatti-Jhunsi route.
In Bhadohi, a permanent long bridge will replace the existing pontoon bridge (pipa pul) near the Mata Sita Samahit Sthal (Sitamarhi) on the Ganga river. The project approval includes the construction of approach roads and necessary protective works.
Urban Development and Energy
To ensure planned urban growth, the cabinet approved the formation of a new development authority for the integrated development of the Varanasi and Vindhyachal regions. Funds were also sanctioned for the Azamgarh Development Authority under the Chief Minister’s Urban Expansion Scheme to support the holistic development of new townships.
In the energy sector, the cabinet agreed to increase the credit limit under the Revolving Bill Payment Facility. The limit has been raised from Rs 6,800 crore to Rs 12,000 crore to ensure smoother financial operations.
Healthcare and Women’s Welfare
To address staffing needs in the medical sector, the government decided to constitute the ‘Uttar Pradesh Specialist Doctor and Medical Teacher Recruitment Board.’ This move aims to strengthen health services by streamlining the recruitment of specialists.
Regarding women’s welfare, proposals were approved to facilitate land transfer and relax rules for constructing eight working women’s hostels in Lucknow, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Furthermore, under the Sant Kabir Textile and Apparel Park scheme, a decision was taken to establish a textile park on 75 acres of land in Varanasi.
