Delhi Finance Minister Atishi presented the ₹76,000 crore ‘Ram Rajya’ budget for 2024-25, focusing on education (₹16,396 crore) and health (₹8,685 crore), among other sectors. A new scheme, Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojna, promises ₹1,000 monthly to women over 18, allocating ₹2,000 crore for it. This marks the AAP government’s longest Delhi Assembly session. The previous year’s budget by Kailash Gehlot was ₹78,800 crore, emphasizing a “Clean, beautiful, and modern” Delhi with ₹21,000 crore for infrastructure.
- The Budget for 2024-25 presented by the Finance Minister of the Delhi Government highlights the 10th consecutive budget under Shri Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, focusing on enhancing education, health, safety, and infrastructure for the residents of Delhi toward realizing the goal of “Ram Rajya.”
- A significant focus is placed on education, with a massive budget allocation of Rs. 16,396 crores. This includes doubling the budget for education since 2015, establishing Schools of Specialized Excellence (SoSEs), substantial investments in teacher training, and introducing innovative programs like the Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum and Business Blasters for young entrepreneurs.
- The health sector receives a substantial allocation of Rs. 8,685 crores, highlighting achievements in transforming government hospitals, setting up Mohalla Clinics for accessible healthcare, and implementing life-saving schemes like “Farishtey Dilli Ke” for accident victims.
- The power and water sector are highlighted with a commitment to 24/7 electricity, major increases in GSTP and per capita income, and significant growth in tax revenue collections despite receiving no share from the central pool of taxes.
- Infrastructure development is emphasized, with the Delhi Metro expansion, introduction of electric buses, and construction of roads, flyovers, and better connectivity, aiming to transform and beautify Delhi significantly.
- Special attention is given to social welfare with schemes like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, providing Rs. 1000 per month to women over 18, and substantial support to villagers, senior citizens, and vulnerable groups.
- The government focuses on justice and law enforcement by enhancing judicial infrastructure and implementing policies to ensure speedy justice and legal support for residents, allocating Rs. 3,098 crores for law and justice initiatives.
- Various sectors such as tourism, sports, the environment, and entrepreneurship are supported with considerable budget allocations, indicating a holistic approach to development.
- A total revised budget estimate for 2023-24 is presented as Rs. 74,900 crores, with the proposed budget for 2024-25 being Rs. 76,000 crores, financed through tax revenue, non-tax revenue, small savings loan, and other sources.
- The budget speech concludes with appreciation for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, emphasizing his commitment to the welfare of Delhi’s residents and his vision for transforming the city in alignment with the ideals of “Ram Rajya.”
The Delhi’s FM Budget Speech 2024-25 can be accessed at: https://delhiplanning.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Planning/budget_speech_2024-25_english.pdf