Lucknow, Read: Yogi government has made an important change in public finance management and implemented a new model of directly linking the tax system with public interest. Under this policy, revenue is now being spent with a fixed purpose and not just as a medium of collection. That is, it is being made completely clear in which area the money coming from the public is being spent.

With this initiative of the government, the common citizen can now easily understand for what purpose the tax paid by him is being used. This transparency is not only increasing trust but also making development plans more effective. The state government believes that with clear policy and target based expenditure, society, economy and cultural heritage can be strengthened simultaneously.

A prime example of this model is the Go Kalyan Cess. The state is getting hundreds of crores of rupees from this cess of 0.5 percent imposed on excise revenue, which is being spent directly on the care of destitute cattle. Food, shelter and treatment facilities are being ensured for the animals in the cattle shelters of the state. Farmers are also getting relief from this. The government has also implemented the policy of “Investment in the same sector from which revenue comes”. Under this, revenue from stamp duty is being used for religious and tourism projects, income from mining for irrigation and water management, expressway toll for rural roads and connectivity and mandi fees for farmers’ schemes. Due to this, the benefits of development are directly reaching the concerned areas.

The biggest feature of the new financial policy is its transparency. Now the use of tax is not vague, but clearly visible. This has increased confidence in the government and has also increased the pace of implementation of schemes. The state government is moving forward with the aim of becoming a trillion dollar economy by 2029-30. For this, capital investment is being continuously increased in sectors like roads, irrigation, logistics, industry and tourism. This model of Uttar Pradesh is emerging as an example for other states also.

How is the model working?

• Tax is linked to a specific purpose

• Policy of “Wherever the revenue comes from, there is the expenditure”

• Animal protection through cow welfare cess

• Toll to road, stamp to tourism development

• Transparency increases public trust

Box: Which areas got direct benefits

• Cow protection and shelter sites

• Rural roads and connectivity

• Irrigation and water management

• Religious and tourism development

• Farmer welfare and crop protection