The Uttar Pradesh government has sought financial support from the Center to set up three research centers in Lucknow, sources told Business Today TV. These proposed centers include a Solar Energy Research Center, an Environmental Studies Center and an Advanced Technology Research Center. According to an official, the initiative aims to strengthen national research, promote self-sufficiency in R&D and create employment opportunities.

To facilitate this development, the state government has also urged the Center to reconsider its funding allocation under the financial assistance scheme to the states. The Center allocated Rs 9,866 crore for the financial year 2024-25 under this scheme, significantly lower than the Rs 17,939 crore allocated last year. Uttar Pradesh has requested an increase in this allocation for FY25 and FY26, and has proposed to release funds for centrally sponsored schemes in two installments of 50% instead of four installments of 25% to speed up the implementation of the project

A proposal of Rs 1,988 crore has also been sent to the Center to be earmarked for railways. Apart from this, Rs 8.4 billion is also required for the construction of 140 ROBs (road over bridge), which could be allocated in the upcoming union budget of FY26.

Lucknow is already home to several notable research institutions such as the Indian Sugarcane Research Institute, the Central Drug Research Institute and the National Botanical Research Institute. These centers contribute significantly to fields such as agriculture, health and environmental sciences, addressing state-specific challenges, fostering economic growth and driving sustainable development.

The proposed centers in Lucknow will further strengthen the state’s research capabilities, particularly in renewable energy, environmental sustainability and advanced technology, aligning with the broader goals of innovation and self-reliance.