10 lakh crore for the National Capital Territory in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. Termed as a 'Green Budget', this is the second budget presented by Rekha Gupta as Chief Minister. The budget session commenced at 11:00 AM following a cabinet meeting at the CM's residence where the proposals were formally approved. The primary focus of this year's financial plan is on mitigating air pollution, enhancing educational infrastructure, and expanding healthcare accessibility across the city.
Prior to the budget presentation, the Chief Minister performed a traditional 'Kheer Ceremony' on Monday, offering 'Kheer' to deities as a mark of auspicious beginning. The ceremony was inclusive, involving doctors, members of the transgender community, farmers, and school students, symbolizing the government's commitment to 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. According to the Chief Minister, the budget has been designed to ensure that every section of society becomes a partner in Delhi's development journey, reflecting a vision where prosperity means the expansion of opportunities for all.
Significant Investments in the Education Department
The Delhi government has allocated ₹19,148 crore to the education sector, maintaining its status as a top priority. In a major announcement, the CM stated that the government will provide free laptops to students who excel in the 10th-grade merit list, for which a budget of ₹10 crore has been set aside. To promote female education and mobility, every girl student in the 9th grade will be gifted a bicycle, with an allocation of ₹90 crore for this scheme. On top of that, ₹200 crore has been earmarked for the construction of new school buildings, and ₹275 crore has been allocated for the expansion of existing educational infrastructure.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure and New Welfare Schemes
A total of ₹12,746 crore has been allocated to the health department. The Chief Minister introduced the 'Anmol Yojana', under which the government will provide 56 types of free medical tests for newborns, supported by a ₹25 crore fund. To bolster primary healthcare, 750 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs will be established, adding to the existing 350 centers. A new trauma center is slated to open at GTB Hospital. On top of that, with central assistance, medical seats in Delhi will be increased to 820 for UG and 762 for PG courses. The benefits of the PM Jan Arogya Yojana will also be extended to the transgender community in Delhi.
Urban Development, New Secretariat, and Infrastructure Projects
The budget outlines ambitious plans for urban infrastructure, including the construction of a new Secretariat and a residential complex for government officials and employees. The Public Works Department (PWD) will complete the construction of 7,000 kilometers of paved roads using brick and cement at a cost of ₹1,392 crore. To ensure localized development, ₹350 crore has been allocated for development works in each MLA's constituency. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will receive ₹1,000 crore specifically for the improvement and maintenance of roads under its jurisdiction.
Environmental Measures and the 'Green Budget' Vision
Addressing Delhi's environmental challenges, the government has proposed ₹1,352 crore for making roads dust-free to curb air pollution. A new drainage master plan has been introduced to tackle waterlogging, with ₹610 crore allocated to the Irrigation Department for this purpose. On top of that, ₹50 crore will be spent on constructing flood protection walls. For water infrastructure, ₹475 crore has been provided for the Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant to ensure a better water supply for the residents of Delhi.
Allocations for Power, Water, and Public Safety
The Delhi Jal Board has been granted a significant allocation of ₹9,000 crore to improve water and sewage management. For the power sector, ₹3,942 crore has been earmarked, with the Chief Minister confirming that the existing electricity subsidy will continue. A provision of ₹200 crore has been made to move overhead electricity wires underground for safety and aesthetics. The budget for the Fire Department has been increased to ₹674 crore from last year's ₹540 crore, reflecting the government's focus on enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities.