New Delhi, March 25, 2025: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, presented her maiden Budget today in the Delhi Assembly. The Budget for the financial year 2025-26 has been set at Rs 1 lakh crore, reflecting a significant 31% increase compared to the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s budget. With a strong emphasis on healthcare, education, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, the BJP government aims to steer Delhi towards rapid development while addressing key civic issues.
Healthcare and Education Take Center Stage
A key highlight of the Budget is the BJP government’s renewed commitment to healthcare. While the AAP government had launched the Sanjeevani Yojana for senior citizens, the new government has shifted its focus towards the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, allocating Rs 2,144 crore to provide an additional Rs 5 lakh insurance cover to beneficiaries.
Education has also received substantial attention, with Rs 100 crore allocated for the new ‘CM Shri Schools’ modeled after the PM Shri Schools. Furthermore, Rs 50 crore has been earmarked for the establishment of 175 new computer labs in government schools, while Rs 100 crore has been set aside for smart classroom initiatives. Additionally, 1,200 students passing Class X will receive free laptops under a Rs 750 crore allocation.
Infrastructure Development and Civic Amenities
The Delhi government has announced an ambitious plan to modernize the city’s roads and transport infrastructure. Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for road connectivity and improvement, with Rs 3,800 crore designated for the construction of flyovers and related infrastructure. Under the CM Road Development Fund, an additional Rs 1,400 crore will enhance Delhi’s road network.
Moreover, the government has decided to relocate Tihar Jail to the outskirts of Delhi, addressing safety concerns due to its proximity to residential areas. A budget of Rs 10 crore has been allocated for surveys and feasibility studies regarding this relocation.
Environmental Protection and Water Management
Recognizing Delhi’s growing pollution crisis, the government has set aside Rs 300 crore to combat air pollution, with Rs 506 crore allocated to the Environment and Forest Department. A significant Rs 9,000 crore has been assigned for projects aimed at cleaning the Yamuna River and improving the city’s sewage systems. Additionally, Rs 500 crore has been allocated for the upgradation and decentralization of 40 sewage treatment plants (STPs) to ensure that only treated water enters the river.
Support for Women and Public Welfare
The BJP government has introduced a new common pass for women to travel free of cost on public buses, replacing the pink ticket system to curb corruption.
Furthermore, Rs 5,100 crore has been allocated for the Mahila Samruddhi Scheme, while Rs 210 crore has been earmarked for financial aid to pregnant women.
Cultural and Entertainment Initiatives
To position Delhi as a global cultural hub, the government has announced the launch of an International Film Festival, with an allocation of Rs 30 crore. This initiative is expected to attract filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, promoting Delhi as a center for artistic and cinematic expression.
Political Controversy and Opposition’s Response
While the BJP government emphasized its commitment to governance and development, opposition leaders have criticized the Budget, accusing the government of failing to conduct a proper economic survey before drafting it. Atishi, the Leader of the Opposition from AAP, stated, “The Delhi government has admitted that they have not done any analysis to make the Budget. This raises serious concerns about the financial planning behind the allocations.”
Additionally, CM Rekha Gupta announced plans to present a “White Paper” on the previous AAP government’s tenure, aiming to provide a detailed assessment of their performance. She criticized the former administration for neglecting key developmental projects due to political motives, stating, “The previous government spent less on development, not due to lack of funds, but because of their political agenda.”
A Vision for a Developed Delhi
Labeling the Budget as “historic,” CM Rekha Gupta asserted that her administration was dedicated to turning Delhi into a model city. “Today is a historic day. This Budget is not just about finances, but about a vision for a ‘Viksit Dilli’ (Developed Delhi),” she stated.
The session, which commenced with the traditional “kheer” ceremony, saw enthusiastic participation from BJP MLAs, who chanted slogans in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. CM Gupta, carrying a red iPad with the government emblem, presented her Budget with confidence, outlining her administration’s goals for the upcoming financial year. Keep reading questiqa.in for more news.
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