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Umesh Raghuvanshi

Umesh Raghuvanshi is a journalist with over three decade experience. He covers politics, finance, environment and social issues. He has covered all assembly and parliament elections in Uttar Pradesh since 1984.

Articles by Umesh Raghuvanshi

Congress steps up focus on Dalit outreach in UP

The party’s Dalit wing has launched the Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim and Jai Samividhan campaign again this month holding ‘chaupals’ in Dalit dominated areas

The party aims to connect with Dalits and backward classes to educate them about what it has done for their welfare (Pic for representation)

Lucknow

Published on Feb 26, 2025 09:28 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi

Uttar Pradesh needs to multiply GSDP growth rate to achieve trillion dollar target

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had on Friday said in the state legislative assembly that Uttar Pradesh will become a trillion-dollar economy by 2029.

Minister for finance Suresh Khanna, while presenting the annual budget for 2025-2026 in the state legislative assembly, said the GSDP growth rate was 11.6% against India’s GDP growth of 9.6% in 2023-2024. (FOR REPRESENTATION)

Lucknow

Published on Feb 22, 2025 10:48 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

UP Budget: Infra, tech push in pursuit of trillion dollar economy target

Focus on 3 Es -- education, entrepreneurship and employment; budget envisions development of state as AI hub, proposes four new expressways

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath with state finance minister Suresh Kumar Khanna before the presentation of the State Budget 2025-26 in the Assembly, in Lucknow on Thursday (Deepak Gupta/ HT)

Lucknow

Published on Feb 21, 2025 04:44 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

UP Budget goes bigger, but fund utilisation remains a challenge

Departments were able to use only about 55% of allocated funds in the first three quarters;.there are indications that the spendings remained less than 60% till January 31, 2025.

In 2023-2024, the state government estimated a revenue expenditure of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>5.21 lakh crore, and could use only <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>4.29 lakh crore. (Pic for representation)

Lucknow

Published on Feb 21, 2025 06:42 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi

UP Budget 2025-26: Keeping borrowings within limits a challenge amid GSDP growth

Uttar Pradesh projects GSDP growth of 11.85% for 2025-26, but faces rising debt concerns, needing higher growth to reach a trillion-dollar economy.

The estimates in the budget indicate that the state’s indebtedness will reach <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>846095.83 crore by March 31. (For Representation)

Lucknow

Published on Feb 21, 2025 06:20 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Fourth budget of Yogi 2.0 today, focus on infra push likely

All eyes on schemes for welfare of youth, women, farmers and boost to spiritual tourism ; more allocations likely for construction of roads and expressways

Lucknow

Published on Feb 20, 2025 08:40 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi

U.P. Budget session: Amid slogans, guv lauds govt for Kumbh mgmt, Ramrajya vision

Governor Anandiben Patel faced protests from the opposition during her address on U.P.'s budget session, focusing on Mahakumbh deaths and governance issues.

U.P. governor Anandiben Patel, CM Yogi Adityanath and cabinet minister Suresh Khanna at the Vidhan Bhavan on Tuesday. (HT photo)

Lucknow

Published on Feb 19, 2025 05:14 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Revamp: Cong move to take everybody along raises hopes of party’s old guards in U.P.

After a weeklong exercise wherein senior party leaders from state’s 75 districts were interviewed from January 7 to 13 last month, it is hoped that the new team will be a mix of young and old guards

We are involving all in this exercise. No one will be left out. We have sought opinion of all former UPCC chiefs, said Ajay Rai. (HT file)

Lucknow

Published on Feb 11, 2025 09:08 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Amid challenges, U.P. govt gets ready to present 2025-2026 budget

U.P. government has stepped up preparations to present its annual budget for 2025-2026 of a likely larger size of ₹8 lakh crore to ₹8.5 lakh crore

Uttar Pradesh budget session likely to be convened later this month, say those aware of development. (For Representation)

Lucknow

Published on Feb 04, 2025 08:02 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Pictorially-rich Constitution’s original copy set to be open for viewing at Raj Bhavan

A Raj Bhavan slide show depicts all, from court of Vikramaditya to Akbar, Ram Katha to Rani Lakshmi Bai

Slides of the presentation made on Jan 26, 2025, about the original copy of the constitution to be placed for public viewing at the Raj Bhawan soon (Sourced)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 28, 2025 06:16 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Ganga Expressway to connect east, west Uttar Pradesh post Mahakumbh

Though the project will not open ahead of the mega event, it is going as per schedule for completion in November 2025

A UPEIDA report on progress of work on the Ganga Expressway indicates that 89% of the earthwork on the main carriageway is complete. (FOR REPRESENTATION)

Lucknow

Published on Jan 24, 2025 07:53 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

UP@75: From early struggles to a key political force

Uttar Pradesh, celebrating 75 years as a state, was renamed from United Provinces in 1950 and plays a key role in India's politics and economy.

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 24, 2025 08:44 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Grassroots focus in Congress’ organisational revamp

A large gathering of Congress leaders and workers was witnessed at the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) headquarters on Tuesday.

We are building the organisation with grassroots workers in focus. So far, we’ve covered 12 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh (For representation only)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 08, 2025 05:06 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

First three quarters of 2024-25 :U.P’s tax collections up 11.2%, non-tax revenue increases 36.4%

State govt has enforced financial discipline on all fronts and also taken care of people’s welfare, says U.P. finance minister Suresh Khanna

The state government’s revenue collections also increased by <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>977.14 crore in December 2024 against earnings made in the same month in 2023 (For representation only)

Lucknow

Updated on Jan 07, 2025 06:06 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Use of budgetary funds remains a challenge in next quarter

Uttar Pradesh faces challenges in utilizing budget funds, with significant gaps in revenue and capital expenditure, prompting a review by officials.

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 29, 2024 07:34 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

District plan panels likely to have a say in local projects

The new law has empowered the state government to nominate two village ‘pradhans’ as members of the district planning committees (for one year by rotation).

the Uttar Pradesh District Planning Committee (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the recently concluded winter session of the state legislature. (For representation only)

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 28, 2024 06:18 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Caught in politics? Two Saifai projects incomplete for years

The state government’s tourism department had approved the construction of the tourist complex at Saifai (in March 2016) at an estimated cost of ₹28.93 crore and a multi-level parking there at an estimated cost of ₹41.89 crore (January 2017).

Those aware of the development said the department apparently did not provide more funds or approve the revised estimates following a change of government in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. (FOR REPRESENTATION)

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 22, 2024 05:14 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Debt-to-GSDP ratio goes up in Uttar Pradesh: CAG report

The state’s public debt increased substantially by 60% in 2023-24 over the outstanding debt in 2019-20. The state’s economy in terms of GSDP grew by 42% during the same period

The CAG report on the state’s accounts (2023-2024) was tabled in the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly on Thursday. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 21, 2024 06:58 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Many PSUs in UP a drain on state exchequer: CAG report

Taking strong exception to the heavy losses being incurred by 21 of 37 PSUs , the CAG has suggested that the state government reviews the performance of all these companies

“The state government may review the performance of loss-making PSUs and invest in them cautiously and take measures to improve their performance,” observed the CAG in its report (Pic for representation)

Lucknow

Published on Dec 19, 2024 09:55 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi

UP government presents 2nd supplementary budget of RS 17865.72 crore

The size of the second supplementary budget is 2.42% of the state’s annual budget of ₹7.36 lakh crore.

Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presenting a supplementary budget (File photo)

Lucknow

Published on Dec 18, 2024 06:13 PM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

U.P. winter session set to be stormy as Oppn to raise Sambhal, Bahraich issues

The issues of violence in Sambhal and Baharaich, the law and order situation and the state government’s move to present a second supplementary budget for 2024-2025 despite “low utilisation of funds” by some of the major departments are set to be in focus.

Assembly speaker Satish Mahana called an all-party meeting on Sunday to seek cooperation of leaders of political parties. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 16, 2024 06:32 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

‘Support to TMC doesn’t affect alliance with Congress’

“The Samajwadi Party has a strong and cordial relationship with the TMC...We are constituents of the INDIA bloc and our support to TMC does not affect our relationship with the Congress and the Congress-SP alliance,” said Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 11, 2024 08:36 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh: Verbal volleys signal apparent unease in Samajwadi Party-Congress ties?

There has also been apparent unease between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party over handling of the Sambhal violence issue and the changed seating arrangement in the Lok Sabha

Samajwadi Party and Congress leaders greet one another at Parliament House during the winter session. (ANI FILE PHOTO)

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 10, 2024 08:06 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Prayagraj’s ₹106.68 cr GST collection from hotels, restaurants highest in U.P.

Uttar Pradesh saw arrival of 31.85 crore visitors in 2022-2023 while the state government collected ₹330.79 crore as GST from hotels and restaurants in different districts in the state the same year.

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 08, 2024 05:56 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Eye on 2027 assembly polls, Congress presses refresh button in Uttar Pradesh

Those aware of the development said the Congress organisation in the state had failed to work as a cohesive unit.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai says the party decided to go in for a total revamp instead of opting for patchwork. (FILE PHOTO)

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 07, 2024 03:42 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Stalin, Mamata, Omar...: Mahakumbh guest list transcends political barriers

The guest list has been given to Uttar Pradesh ministers who will fan out across the country to invite governors and chief ministers to the Mahakumbh.

Floating barriers built on the Ganga for the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela, in Prayagraj (ANI PHOTO)

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 06, 2024 04:39 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

Protocol reminder: U.P. issues fresh order on chair white towel

Principal secretary (Appointment) M Devraj reminded officers to provide public representatives with chairs of equal height and decor, including white towels, and ensure their mobile numbers are saved and calls returned promptly

The GO refers to earlier orders, including one from October 3, 2023, instructing officers to extend courtesy and follow protocol provisions. (For Representation)

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 04, 2024 05:48 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi

U.P. focuses on micro analysis of dev indicators to achieve trillion-dollar economy goal

Uttar Pradesh government analyzes development indicators to boost growth, aiming for a trillion-dollar economy, with GDDP data showcasing district contributions.

U.P. govt has also come out with details of contribution made by the districts to the state’s economy in various sectors. (For Representation)

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 04, 2024 05:40 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

UP Cong to begin revamp process at grassroots

Uttar Pradesh Congress plans organizational revamp at grassroots level, aiming for completion within a month to strengthen its electoral strategy and partnership with SP.

Lucknow

Updated on Dec 01, 2024 06:22 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

SP fails to gain from ally Cong’s absence in bypolls

The bypoll outcome, in which the SP won only two of the nine seats, has come as a setback for the alliance, exposed the chinks within it and the lack of coordination between the two partners.

The SP-Congress alliance won 43 (37 SP and 6 Congress) of UP’s 80 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections (Sourced)

Lucknow

Updated on Nov 25, 2024 05:48 AM IST

ByUmesh Raghuvanshi, Lucknow

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Umesh Raghuvanshi

Umesh Raghuvanshi is a journalist with over three decade experience. He covers politics, finance, environment and social issues. He has covered all assembly and parliament elections in Uttar Pradesh since 1984.

The party’s Dalit wing has launched the Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim and Jai Samividhan campaign again this month holding ‘chaupals’ in Dalit dominated areas

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had on Friday said in the state legislative assembly that Uttar Pradesh will become a trillion-dollar economy by 2029.

Focus on 3 Es -- education, entrepreneurship and employment; budget envisions development of state as AI hub, proposes four new expressways

Departments were able to use only about 55% of allocated funds in the first three quarters;.there are indications that the spendings remained less than 60% till January 31, 2025.

Uttar Pradesh projects GSDP growth of 11.85% for 2025-26, but faces rising debt concerns, needing higher growth to reach a trillion-dollar economy.

All eyes on schemes for welfare of youth, women, farmers and boost to spiritual tourism ; more allocations likely for construction of roads and expressways

Governor Anandiben Patel faced protests from the opposition during her address on U.P.'s budget session, focusing on Mahakumbh deaths and governance issues.

After a weeklong exercise wherein senior party leaders from state’s 75 districts were interviewed from January 7 to 13 last month, it is hoped that the new team will be a mix of young and old guards

U.P. government has stepped up preparations to present its annual budget for 2025-2026 of a likely larger size of ₹8 lakh crore to ₹8.5 lakh crore

A Raj Bhavan slide show depicts all, from court of Vikramaditya to Akbar, Ram Katha to Rani Lakshmi Bai

Though the project will not open ahead of the mega event, it is going as per schedule for completion in November 2025

Uttar Pradesh, celebrating 75 years as a state, was renamed from United Provinces in 1950 and plays a key role in India's politics and economy.

A large gathering of Congress leaders and workers was witnessed at the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) headquarters on Tuesday.

State govt has enforced financial discipline on all fronts and also taken care of people’s welfare, says U.P. finance minister Suresh Khanna

Uttar Pradesh faces challenges in utilizing budget funds, with significant gaps in revenue and capital expenditure, prompting a review by officials.

The new law has empowered the state government to nominate two village ‘pradhans’ as members of the district planning committees (for one year by rotation).

The state government’s tourism department had approved the construction of the tourist complex at Saifai (in March 2016) at an estimated cost of ₹28.93 crore and a multi-level parking there at an estimated cost of ₹41.89 crore (January 2017).

The state’s public debt increased substantially by 60% in 2023-24 over the outstanding debt in 2019-20. The state’s economy in terms of GSDP grew by 42% during the same period

Taking strong exception to the heavy losses being incurred by 21 of 37 PSUs , the CAG has suggested that the state government reviews the performance of all these companies

The size of the second supplementary budget is 2.42% of the state’s annual budget of ₹7.36 lakh crore.

The issues of violence in Sambhal and Baharaich, the law and order situation and the state government’s move to present a second supplementary budget for 2024-2025 despite “low utilisation of funds” by some of the major departments are set to be in focus.

“The Samajwadi Party has a strong and cordial relationship with the TMC...We are constituents of the INDIA bloc and our support to TMC does not affect our relationship with the Congress and the Congress-SP alliance,” said Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary

There has also been apparent unease between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party over handling of the Sambhal violence issue and the changed seating arrangement in the Lok Sabha

Uttar Pradesh saw arrival of 31.85 crore visitors in 2022-2023 while the state government collected ₹330.79 crore as GST from hotels and restaurants in different districts in the state the same year.

Those aware of the development said the Congress organisation in the state had failed to work as a cohesive unit.

The guest list has been given to Uttar Pradesh ministers who will fan out across the country to invite governors and chief ministers to the Mahakumbh.

Principal secretary (Appointment) M Devraj reminded officers to provide public representatives with chairs of equal height and decor, including white towels, and ensure their mobile numbers are saved and calls returned promptly

Uttar Pradesh government analyzes development indicators to boost growth, aiming for a trillion-dollar economy, with GDDP data showcasing district contributions.

Uttar Pradesh Congress plans organizational revamp at grassroots level, aiming for completion within a month to strengthen its electoral strategy and partnership with SP.

The bypoll outcome, in which the SP won only two of the nine seats, has come as a setback for the alliance, exposed the chinks within it and the lack of coordination between the two partners.

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