The budget session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature is set to commence on February 18 and will continue for about a week. The state budget for the financial year 2025-26 will be presented on February 19, with an estimated size of `8 lakh crore. While the ruling party will showcase its achievements, the opposition is expected to raise concerns over key issues, including farmers' welfare, women's safety, law and order, and the recent Maha Kumbh accident.
In a significant move, the state cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to purchase 469 vehicles under the second phase of the UP 112 emergency response project. The expansion aims to strengthen the state's police response system by increasing the vehicle fleet from 4,800 to 6,278. As part of the second phase, 189 two-wheelers and 280 four-wheeler SUVs-comprising 41 Innovas and 239 Scorpios-will be procured in various stages.
The cabinet has also approved an amendment to the appointment rules for the Director of the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), extending the maximum appointment age from 65 to 68 years. The governor will have the authority to grant extensions beyond the revised limit.
This decision comes ahead of the retirement of the current director, Prof. R.K. Dhiman, whose tenure ends in February. Applications for the post have already been submitted, with 38 professors, including 13 from KGMU, SGPGI, and Lohia Institute, vying for the position.
The cabinet's decision has fueled speculation that Professor Dhiman may receive an extension.