Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the Delhi Budget 2025-26 on Tuesday, outlining a vision for enhanced infrastructure, welfare programs, and economic growth. The total budget allocation for the national capital stands at ₹1 lakh crore, with significant investments in road connectivity, flyovers, healthcare, and women’s welfare. This marks the first budget presented by a BJP-led government in Delhi in over 26 years.
Key Infrastructure Investments
A substantial portion of the budget has been dedicated to improving Delhi’s infrastructure and transport networks.
- ₹1,000 crore has been allocated to enhance road connectivity in the Delhi-NCR region.
- ₹3,843 crore is set aside for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges.
- ₹3,800 crore will go toward flyovers and general infrastructure development.
To improve women’s safety, the government has announced plans to install over 50,000 CCTV cameras across the city. Additionally, ₹696 crore has been earmarked to upgrade facilities in slums and JJ colonies.
Welfare and Social Security Initiatives
The budget prioritizes social welfare, with major allocations to support women, underprivileged communities, and public health initiatives.
- Under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, eligible women will receive ₹2,500 per month, with ₹5,100 crore allocated for the program.
- ₹10,047 crore has been dedicated to social security and welfare schemes.
- ₹6,874 crore is allocated for the healthcare sector, including ₹2,144 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to enhance medical facilities.
Furthermore, ₹100 crore has been allocated to establish 100 Atal Canteens across Delhi, ensuring affordable food options for the economically weaker sections.
Clean Water and Sanitation Projects
The government has emphasized environmental sustainability and sanitation through several initiatives:
- ₹500 crore has been earmarked for cleaning the Yamuna River.
- 40 new sewage treatment plants will be set up.
- ₹250 crore will be spent on replacing outdated sewer lines.
- ₹9,000 crore has been allocated to improve clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.
Education and Employment Initiatives
Education and skill development remain key focus areas in the budget:
- ₹100 crore has been allocated to build 175 new computer labs and smart classrooms in government schools.
- The government plans to host a Global Investment Summit every two years to attract investors and boost Delhi’s economy.
Political Criticism and Comparisons
During her budget speech, CM Rekha Gupta criticized the previous AAP-led government for alleged mismanagement and misleading the public regarding educational reforms. She accused the AAP administration of prioritizing lavish expenditures over essential infrastructure development.
“You [AAP] made ‘Sheesh Mahal’ for yourself; we will build houses for the poor. You installed pot toilets worth lakhs, while we will construct proper toilets in slum areas,” she stated.
She further claimed that the AAP government manipulated Class 10 and 12 board exam results by failing students in Class 9 and 11 to improve statistics.
The 2025 Delhi Budget outlines a comprehensive plan to improve infrastructure, public welfare, and economic development while ensuring financial discipline. With significant investments in road networks, sanitation, healthcare, and women’s welfare, the BJP-led government aims to set a new governance direction in Delhi. However, political disagreements over past administrations’ policies continue to fuel debate on the capital’s development trajectory. The effectiveness of these allocations will become evident as implementation begins in the coming months.
(With inputs from agencies)
