New Delhi : In a move aimed at enhancing key sectors, the Delhi government led by Chief Minister Atishi has raised the revised budget outlay for 2024-25 to Rs 77,700 crore, up from the initial budget estimate of Rs 76,000 crore. The updated estimates, presented in the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday, highlight significant increases in funding across various development and welfare initiatives.
One of the major changes in the revised estimates is an additional Rs 400 crore allocated to the “MLALAD” scheme, aimed at increasing the limit per assembly constituency to Rs 15 crore annually, effective from April 2024. This move is expected to boost local development projects across Delhi’s constituencies.
The Delhi government has also raised the allocation for power subsidies to domestic consumers by Rs 350 crore under the ‘subsidy to consumers through DISCOM’ scheme to address the rising energy needs of households. Additionally, pension provisions for widows have been increased to Rs 1,130 crore in the revised estimates, up from Rs 1,040 crore in the initial budget.
For infrastructure development, the government has allocated an additional Rs 1,848.72 crore for the ongoing DMRC Phase-IV works. The Delhi-SNB corridor and Delhi-Panipat corridor of the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) have also received an additional Rs 100 crore in the revised estimates for 2024-25.
The Delhi government is also focusing on green initiatives, with a provision of Rs 64 crore for pollution control measures. Additionally, the Forest Department’s budget has been significantly increased to Rs 113 crore from Rs 39 crore in the original budget, supporting plantation efforts and enhancing the city’s green cover.
In line with its commitment to sustainable urban mobility, the government has earmarked Rs 140 crore for the implementation of its Electric Vehicle Policy, a sharp rise from the Rs 30 crore initially planned. Similarly, an additional Rs 140 crore has been allocated to continue the free travel initiative for women commuters in DTC and cluster buses.
In the health sector, the Delhi government has set aside Rs 100 crore for the re-modelling of existing hospitals, while Rs 124.80 crore has been allocated for the construction of new school buildings and related projects.
Furthermore, Rs 1,900 crore has been allocated for loans to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to meet its routine revenue expenditure, ensuring the smooth functioning of the city’s water supply systems.
These revised budget estimates reflect the Delhi government’s focus on infrastructure, welfare, environmental sustainability, and social support systems, underscoring its commitment to the city’s development.
