UP Budget Session Begins Today, SP Holds Protest Outside Assembly

The Budget Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly began from today, 20 February. The budget will be tabled by the State Finance Minister Suresh Khanna on 22 February and the session is scheduled to last for two weeks. 

The Session will commence with an Address by Governor Anandiben Patel in a joint session of both Houses - Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council on the first day.

The day however began with a protest by the opposition, lead by the Samajwadi Party, outside the UP assembly. Samajwadi Party MLAs sat on a dharna at the entry gate of the Assembly with placards in their hands raising issues like inflation and unemployment. They were led by party general secretary Shivpal Singh Yadav. 

Earlier in January, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured the citizens of UP that the upcoming state budget will be according to the aspirations of 25 crore people and that the resolutions of Lokalyan Sankalp Patra will be fulfilled.

"Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with MPs and MLAs, after a thorough review of the development projects being implemented in all the 18 divisions of the state, held meetings with Ministers and Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary/Secretary level officers," said a press note issued by UP government earlier.

In the special meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the department-wise utilisation of the funds provided in the current financial budget and gave necessary guidelines to speed up the development works as per public expectations.

Addressing the meeting, Yogi Adityanath said, "All the departments should prepare and send their proposals for the budget according to their future plans. The upcoming budget will be in line with the aspirations of 25 crore people. Include the points of the public welfare resolution letter in the budget proposal. Make sure your offer is realistic. Demand as much as you need." 

(With inputs from ANI)