LUCKNOW, Feb. 12 -- Even as the Uttar Pradesh government has been pushing for privatisation of two of its five state-owned power distribution companies (discoms) for over a year, the energy sector has received the second highest total budget allocation and the third highest capital outlay.

In the budget presented on Wednesday, a total funds of Rs.65,926.28 crore (in addition to Rs.2,104 crore for renewable energy) have been earmarked for the sector, which is the second budgetary allocation after basic education ( Rs.80,997.16 crore).

In terms of capital expenditure too, the sector features prominently, receiving the third-highest outlay after the public works department (roads and bridges) at Rs.29,369.71 crore and Namami Gange and rura...