Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled the BJP-led government’s first budget in nearly three decades, proposing a “historic” ₹1 lakh crore outlay aimed at transforming the city. The budget prioritizes ten key areas, including Yamuna river cleanup, women’s safety, and infrastructure enhancement.
“This is not an ordinary budget… it is the first step to develop Delhi, which was ruined over the past 10 years. Delhi went down in every aspect of development… previous governments ruined the economic health of the city like termites,” Gupta stated while presenting the budget.
The ₹1 lakh crore budget marks a 31.5% increase from the previous year. It includes ₹28,000 crore for capital expenditure, ₹5,100 crore for direct financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month to eligible women, and ₹40 crore for modernizing cow shelters.
Amid chants of “Modi, Modi” and criticism of former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s governance, the budget introduced a ‘common pass’ for women in public buses. Additionally, plans to install 50,000 CCTV cameras to enhance women’s security were announced.
The government allocated ₹1,250 crore for cleaning the Yamuna, including ₹500 crore for 40 decentralized sewage treatment plants, ₹500 crore for upgrades, and ₹250 crore to replace outdated sewer lines. Another ₹9,000 crore was set aside for improving potable water and sanitation.
The education sector will also see major reforms, with CM-SHRI schools modeled on the PM-SHRI initiative and aligned with the National Education Policy. The government plans to distribute laptops to 1,200 students, with ₹750 crore allocated to education development. However, details on the selection process remain unclear.
Healthcare infrastructure received ₹6,874 crore, focusing on expanding the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative, which integrates the PM-JAY scheme. Gupta highlighted that “Soon people will get the benefit of Ayushman Yojana and Ayushman Arogya Mandir. In addition to the ₹5 lakh (cover) from the centre, the Delhi government will give a top-up of ₹5 lakh…” ₹2,144 crore has been allocated for this expansion.
Further, ₹696 crore was dedicated to slum redevelopment, while ₹100 crore was earmarked for establishing 100 Atal Canteens to provide affordable meals for the underprivileged.
To combat Delhi’s severe air pollution, particularly during winter, the government has set aside ₹300 crore. The funds will address pollution caused by vehicular emissions, construction activities, and farm fires from neighboring states, which significantly deteriorate air quality.
The BJP’s budget signals a shift in governance priorities, focusing on infrastructure, welfare, and environmental sustainability to reshape Delhi’s future.
