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The BJP-led Delhi government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has presented a ₹1 lakh crore budget for the 2025-26 financial year, marking a significant increase from the previous AAP government's ₹76,000 crore budget. A key focus of this budget is improving infrastructure and environmental sustainability, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a "double-engine government" working at both the central and state levels.
₹506 crore for environment and forest departments
For years, Delhi’s government had been at odds with the Centre over financial allocations. The previous AAP administration had often argued that Delhi contributed large amounts in taxes but received very little in return. However, in this budget, the central government has provided ₹11,469 crore in financial assistance under different heads, a sharp rise from the ₹4,391 crore allocated earlier.
The Chief Minister said that ₹506 crore has been set aside for the environment and forest departments. Out of this, ₹422 crore will be used for various schemes, projects, and programs.
She also introduced the new Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), which will monitor air quality, water quality, noise levels, and waste management in real-time. “This will help improve environmental governance and public health. Our efforts will reduce pollution and create a cleaner, healthier Delhi for future generations,” she said.
A budget of ₹300 crore has been allocated for "Pollution Control and Emergency Measures" to enforce environmental reforms effectively. Additionally, ₹20 crore has been set aside under the “Delhi Parks and Garden Society” scheme to support RWAs, NGOs, and other groups in maintaining and greening Delhi’s parks and gardens.
The budget also prioritises cleaning the Yamuna River, with ₹500 crore set aside for this purpose. The plan includes constructing 40 decentralised sewage treatment plants to ensure only treated water flows into the river. Additionally, ₹250 crore has been allocated for replacing old sewer lines, and ₹20 crore will be spent on acquiring equipment to tackle waterlogging issues during the monsoon season.
Budget key announcements
Category | Budget Allocation (₹ Crore) | Details |
---|---|---|
Key Announcements | ||
Sewer systems, water supply, and Yamuna cleaning | 9,000 | Major revamp of water infrastructure |
Delhi-NCR connectivity improvement | 1,000 | Better transportation links |
New jail complex (planning phase) | 10 | Tihar Jail relocation |
Mini fire stations in congested areas | - | 100 locations for faster emergency response |
Pollution control & emergency measures | 300 | Includes anti-pollution initiatives |
Education Initiatives | ||
New CM Shri Schools | 100 | 60 new schools planned |
Free laptops for top students | 7.5 | 1,200 Class 11 students based on Class 10 results |
EduCity in Narela | 500 | Higher education hub |
‘Rashtraneeti’ governance education program | - | Teaching students about democracy & policy |
Water Supply Improvements | ||
GPS tracking for water tankers | - | ‘DJB Tanker’ mobile app for monitoring |
Smart water management & metering | 150 | Intelligent automation for efficiency |
Replacing open canals with pipelines | 200 | Water transport from Haryana |
Emergency water storage | 150 | To address shortages |
Healthcare Plans | ||
New Health & Wellness Centres | 320 | 400 new centers planned |
Critical care & diagnostics (PM-ABHIM) | 1,666 | Strengthening medical facilities |
Ayushman Bharat insurance expansion | 147 | Increased health coverage |
Digital healthcare initiatives | 9.92 | Digitalizing health records |
Social Security Measures | ||
‘Mahila Samridhi Yojana’ | 5,100 | ₹2,500/month for eligible women |
Increased pensions for senior citizens | - | ₹2,500 (60-69 years), ₹3,000 (70+ years) |
Maternity benefits | 210 | ‘Mukhya Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana’ |
New ‘Palna’ creches | 50 | 500 centers planned |
Public Transport Upgrades | ||
Electric buses | - | 5,000 new buses |
Delhi Metro expansion (Phase 4) | 2,929 | Work on 3 corridors |
New ISBT & bus terminal redevelopment | - | New ISBT in Dwarka; upgrade of Anand Vihar & Sarai Kale Khan |
Energy & Infrastructure Development | ||
Free Electricity Scheme (PM Surya Ghar) | - | Up to ₹78,000 subsidy for rooftop solar |
Overhead electricity cables removal | 100 | Underground shifting plan |
Tourism & Cultural Development | ||
Yamuna River boat tours | - | From Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur Shani Mandir |
Tourism promotion & branding | 25 | Boosting Delhi’s tourism sector |
International film festival | 30 | Promoting Delhi as a film destination |
Annual winter festival | - | Cultural events, concerts, food festivals |
Talent Hunt Scheme | 5 | Supporting young artists |
The BJP government has set a three-year target to visibly transform Delhi’s infrastructure and quality of life. Prime Minister Modi has instructed key ministries, such as Road Transport, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Health, to work closely with the Delhi administration to implement joint projects. The budget aims to improve roads, public transport, healthcare, and education while addressing long-standing pollution concerns.
With a substantial increase in financial support from the Centre and a clear focus on development, the Delhi government is looking to bring noticeable improvements to the city. Whether these measures will lead to lasting change remains to be seen, but the budget marks a decisive shift in Delhi’s governance approach.
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