(Image source from: x.com/DelhiGovDigital)
On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled a budget from the ruling BJP, marking its first financial plan for the national capital in about thirty years. She declared a groundbreaking outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, highlighting ten priority areas such as cleaning the Yamuna, enhancing women's safety, and addressing infrastructure challenges. Gupta noted that this Rs 1 lakh crore budget represents a 31.5 percent increase over the last budget presented by the AAP. Among the allocations, Rs 28,000 crore is dedicated solely to capital expenses aimed at tackling various issues, including the deplorable state of Delhi's roads, perilous traffic conditions, and recurrent flooding after even minor rainfall. Surrounded by chants of "Modi, Modi" and playful criticisms directed at her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal and his AAP party, Gupta delivered a 138-minute address outlining welfare initiatives for women, improvements in education and healthcare, and efforts to establish the city as a leading tourism destination. "This budget transcends the ordinary... it marks the initial move towards revitalizing Delhi, which has deteriorated over the last decade under AAP governance. Development in all sectors has suffered... past administrations have weakened the economic fabric of the city like pests," asserted the Chief Minister.
Key announcements included fulfilling a campaign promise of providing Rs 2,500 per month in assistance for women, with Rs 5,100 crore allocated for the Mahila Samridhi Yojana scheme. Additionally, Rs 500 crore is earmarked for a decentralized system comprising 40 sewage treatment plants (STPs) aimed at purifying the Yamuna River's water. Another Rs 500 crore is designated for the repair and upgrading of existing STPs, and Rs 250 crore will go toward replacing outdated sewer lines, alongside a substantial Rs 9,000 crore investment in water filtration and sanitation projects. The budget also emphasizes public transport enhancements and a bold initiative to install 50,000 CCTV cameras across Delhi, a move the BJP claims will bolster women's safety. An allocation of Rs 1,000 crore is intended to improve connectivity within the city, and the BJP government plans to introduce a bus pass that allows women to travel free of charge.
CM Smt. Rekha Gupta arrives at the Delhi Legislative Assembly to present her maiden budget, the 'Viksit Delhi Budget’ 2025 #ViksitDelhiBudget@gupta_rekha pic.twitter.com/3Q4KqRPId4
— Delhi Government (@DelhiGovDigital) March 25, 2025
In terms of educational reforms, the Chief Minister announced a transformation of Delhi's government schools, previously touted as success stories under AAP's leadership. She introduced the CM-SHRI schools, modeled after the PM-SHRI initiative, which focuses on schools for Rising India. Gupta indicated that these new schools would align with the recently implemented National Education Policy, a policy that has sparked controversy in Tamil Nadu regarding accusations of 'Hindi imposition'.
In the context of revamping the education sector, the Delhi government is set to provide laptops to 1,200 students, as noted by Ms. Gupta. The criteria for selecting recipients remains unspecified, and it is unknown whether additional advantages will be extended to other students. However, a considerable budget of Rs 750 crore has been designated for this initiative. Ms. Gupta also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has boasted about its schools' impressive examination performance, suggesting that it intentionally held back underperforming students in Classes IX and XI to create the appearance of successful academic outcomes.
CM Smt. Rekha Gupta has commenced her address on the 'Viksit Delhi Budget 2025' #ViksitDelhiBudget@gupta_rekha pic.twitter.com/VNZcpCumNe
— Delhi Government (@DelhiGovDigital) March 25, 2025
Additionally, significant investments have been proposed, including Rs 6,874 crore aimed at enhancing healthcare facilities. This funding aims to broaden the Ayushman Arogya Mandir scheme—an essential program designed to offer comprehensive health services, including preventive, promotional, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care, with the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) being a key aspect. "Soon, individuals will start reaping the benefits of the Ayushman Yojana and Ayushman Arogya Mandir. On top of the central government’s coverage of Rs 5 lakh, the Delhi government will contribute an additional Rs 5 lakh," the Chief Minister mentioned, revealing that Rs 2,144 crore has been allocated for this purpose.
Regarding housing initiatives for the Economically Weaker Sections, Ms. Gupta directed her remarks at Arvind Kejriwal, stating, "While you invested in your 'sheeshmahal,' we will construct homes for the impoverished." This comment alluded to accusations that Mr. Kejriwal misappropriated Rs 45 crore of public funds for personal renovations at his prior residence—claims that heavily influenced the BJP's electoral success. Furthermore, Ms. Gupta highlighted that her administration allocated Rs 696 crore for the advancement of slum areas, along with an extra Rs 100 crore for establishing 100 Atal Canteens, aimed at providing meals for those in need.
To further address the annual pollution dilemma and air quality issues in the city, Ms. Gupta announced a budget of Rs 300 crore. Each winter, the city's air quality deteriorates significantly, often exceeding an AQI of 500 due to unfavorable weather conditions.
