A sum of Rs 140 crore has been allocated for cow protection centres. However, there is no mention of any funding for other agricultural or commercial animals such as goats, horses, or mules
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In a move that has sparked mixed reactions across the state, the annual budget of Uttar Pradesh has seen significant allocations for the welfare of cows and religious tourism, while minority welfare and sports development have been notably sidelined.
The budget presented by Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna on February 20, includes Rs 2,000 crore for cow protection and Rs 900 crore for religious tourism initiatives. This prioritisation has ignited a fresh debate about the state’s commitment to inclusive development.
The most eye-catching feature of the budget is the Rs 2,000 crore earmarked for stray cows in the state, a sum five times greater than the Rs 400 crore allocated to sports development. The state’s commitment to cow welfare is made clear with a further Rs 140 crore for cow protection centres and Rs 123 crore for animal hospitals. However, there is no mention of any funding for other agricultural or commercial animals such as goats, horses, or mules. Critics have pointed out the unequal distribution of resources, especially when it comes to the welfare of the state’s sports infrastructure.
“This budget is a clear reflection of the government’s priorities,” said political analyst Dr Raghav Verma. “The money spent on cows is more than five times the amount allocated for sports, a sector that could have brought tangible benefits to the youth of Uttar Pradesh.”
The absence of any mention of the state’s long-term policy for non-cow animals is another concern raised by experts. According to the 2019 livestock census, the state has approximately 12 lakh stray animals, with 10 lakh being cows. If the current allocation is to be taken at face value, each stray cow would receive an annual sum of Rs 20,000. In comparison, farmers only receive Rs 6,000 annually under the “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.”
Following the theme of prioritising religious affairs, the budget also devotes a staggering Rs 900 crore to religious tourism. This includes funding for the development of temples and religious circuits across the state. Rs 200 crore has been allocated for the Banke Bihari Temple corridor in Vrindavan, and Rs 150 crore has been set aside for the development of Ayodhya. Other temples, such as the Vindhya Vasni Temple in Mirzapur and the Mathura Parikrama, are also slated for significant upgrades.
On the other hand, the budget allocates only Rs 60 crore for the Buddhist Circuit, a significant reduction from the Rs 92.66 crore that was allocated in the revised estimates last year. The state’s focus on religious tourism has led some to question the government’s intentions.
“This budget demonstrates a clear trend of favouritism towards religious tourism at the expense of other sectors,” remarked Dr Tanvi Mehra, an academic in political science. “While the development of Ayodhya and Vrindavan may have symbolic importance for some, it is essential that the needs of the entire population, including minorities and youth, are addressed.”
Interestingly, the budget also allocates just Rs 5 crore for the Artificial Intelligence City project in Lucknow, a figure that some have called insufficient given the scale of the project.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the budget is the significant cut to minority welfare. This is the latest in a series of cuts to minority welfare programmes. The funding for madrasas, which serve as a vital educational resource for many Muslim children in the state, has been abolished. Additionally, scholarships for Muslim students have not been increased, despite growing concerns over the high dropout rate among Muslim girls, which stands at an alarming 80 percent.
“This budget completely disregards the needs of the state’s minority communities,” said Mohammad Azhar, an activist and educator. “By reducing the funds for minority welfare, especially in education, the government is doing a disservice to those who are already marginalised in society.”
The slashing of funding for minority welfare stands in stark contrast to the lavish allocations for cows and religious tourism. The budget, which Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has proudly claimed is “dedicated to Sanatan,” has left many wondering if the state is prioritising its religious agenda at the expense of secular values.
While the allocation of funds for religious tourism and cow protection has its supporters, there is growing concern about the long-term impact of these priorities on the state’s development. Key sectors like sports, education, and healthcare, which directly affect the lives of ordinary people, have been given scant attention.
“We are at a crossroads,” said economist Dr Shubham Gupta. “While religious tourism and cow protection may be seen as symbols of cultural pride, the real question is whether these policies will translate into tangible benefits for the majority of the population, especially those from marginalized communities.”
The Uttar Pradesh budget for 2024-25, thus, highlights a clear divide between symbolic gestures and practical development. Whether the state’s focus on cows and religious tourism will pay off in the long term remains to be seen. However, the exclusion of minority communities from key areas of social welfare and development raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.
In the words of one political observer Farooque Ahmad, “At what cost are these priorities being pursued? The future of Uttar Pradesh’s economy and social harmony depends on how the government balances its cultural ambitions with the pressing needs of all its citizens.”