UP Budget 2026: ₹77,622 Crore for Basic Education, ₹650 Crore for Free Uniforms — Minister Sandeep Singh Calls It a ‘Promise to Every Child’

In a landmark push for strengthening foundational learning, Uttar Pradesh’s Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh has described the state’s latest education outlay as a promise, not just funds.
Campus Times | Lucknow
Under the UP Budget 2026, the state government has proposed a historic ₹77,622 crore allocation for basic education, marking one of the largest-ever investments in primary schooling in Uttar Pradesh.
₹77,622 Crore Allocation to Transform Primary Education
The massive financial commitment aims to upgrade infrastructure in council-run schools, enhance academic standards, and ensure holistic development for millions of students across the state.
According to education department officials, the allocation will focus on:
Modernizing classrooms and learning spaces
Strengthening teaching quality and training
3Expanding digital and smart learning facilities
Improving basic amenities in rural and underprivileged areas
Government schools, especially in rural Uttar Pradesh, serve as the backbone of the education system. Officials believe this funding will inject fresh momentum into the primary education framework and bridge the urban-rural education gap.
₹650 Crore for Free Uniforms, Bags, Shoes & Stationery
One of the most impactful announcements in the budget is the proposal of ₹650 crore to provide free uniforms, school bags, shoes, socks, and stationery to students from Classes 1 to 8 studying in council schools.
The initiative is aimed at:
Reducing the financial burden on families
Ensuring dignity and equality among students
Preventing dropouts due to economic hardship
Encouraging higher enrollment and attendance
For thousands of families grappling with rising living costs, this scheme offers tangible relief. By removing basic financial barriers, the government seeks to ensure that no child’s education is compromised due to lack of resources.
A Budget Beyond Numbers
Beyond figures and fiscal allocations, the UP Budget 2026 sends a strong social message — that every child, regardless of socio-economic background, deserves access to quality education with dignity.
Calling the budget a “commitment to the future of Uttar Pradesh,” Minister Sandeep Singh emphasized that investment in basic education is an investment in the state’s long-term development.
With this unprecedented allocation, Uttar Pradesh has positioned foundational education at the center of its growth strategy — reinforcing the idea that a strong nation begins with empowered classrooms.
