UP seeks Centre’s help in building three research centers in Lucknow

The Uttar Pradesh government has sought financial assistance from the Center to set up three research centers in Lucknow, sources told Business Today TV. The proposed facilities include the Solar Energy Research Center, the Environmental Study Center, and the Advanced Technological Research Center. According to an official, the project aims to promote domestic research, promote self-reliance in R&D, and create job opportunities.

In order to promote this development, the provincial government has also encouraged the Center to reconsider the way its money is distributed under the international financial assistance program. The Center has allocated Rs 9,866 crore in the financial year 2024-2025 under the scheme, much lower than the Rs 17,939 crore allocated last year. Uttar Pradesh has asked for this to be extended in FY25 and FY26, and wants to disburse the government’s scheme funds in two installments of 50 percent instead of four installments of 25 percent to speed up project implementation.

A proposal of Rs 1,988 crore has also been forwarded to the Center for railway distribution. Apart from this, Rs 8,400 crore is also required for the construction of 140 ROBs (road over bridge), which can be provided from the upcoming FY26 budget.

Lucknow already has several well-known institutes, such as the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, the Central Drug Research Institute, and the National Botanical Research Institute. The center supports sectors such as agriculture, health care, and natural sciences, to address the challenges faced by the government, promote economic growth, and drive sustainable development.

The proposed center in Lucknow will also boost the state’s research capacity, especially in renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and high technology, in line with the goals of innovation and self-reliance.