Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the Delhi Budget 2025-26 in the Assembly on Tuesday, marking a significant financial milestone for the national capital. The total budget stands at Rs 1 lakh crore, reflecting a 31.5% increase from last year. Calling it a “historic” moment, CM Gupta emphasized that this budget aims to transform Delhi’s economy and governance.
Key Highlights of Delhi Budget 2025-26
Total Expenditure: Rs 1 lakh crore, 31.5% rise from the previous year
Mahila Samridhi Yojana: Rs 5,100 crore
Allocation for Capital Expenditure: Rs 28,000 crore
Infrastructure for NCR connectivity: Rs 1,000 crore
Top-up by Delhi Govt to Ayushman Yojana: Rs 2,144 crore
Women’s Safety Scheme: 50,000 new CCTV cameras
Road and Bridge infrastructure: Rs 3,843 crore
Slums and JJ Colonies Development: Rs 696 crore
Economic transformation of Delhi
CM Gupta described this budget as a turning point, which would transform Delhi from a struggling economy to a developed one. “This is not an ordinary budget. Delhi and the whole country is watching this. They all have very hope with new government. This budget is not just an account or ledger; this is budget of transformation from bad economy to Viksit Delhi. The Delhi government’s budget this year is Rs. 1 lakh crores. This budget is historic. We are presenting a budget of Rs 1 lakh crore. This is 31.5 percent more than last year,” she said. The enhanced allocation indicates the new government’s focus on growth and development.
Significant Investments in Infrastructure
A substantial portion of the budget focuses on infrastructure development. Rs 28,000 crore has been set aside for capital expenditure, which includes roads, bridges, and public transport enhancements. The government also allocated Rs 1,000 crore to improve Delhi’s connectivity with the National Capital Region (NCR), ensuring seamless travel and economic integration.
Women-Centric Policies and Safety Measures
Delhi government has come up with several schemes to empower women. CM Gupta pointed to the Mahila Samridhi Yojana with a Rs 5,100 crore budget that features a Rs 2,500 bonus for women in Delhi.
To make women safer, the government will set up 50,000 CCTV cameras in the city. “We had announced a reward of Rs 2500 for the women of Delhi. A provision of Rs 5,100 crores has been made to implement it under Mahila Samridhi Yojana,” she asserted.
Healthcare Initiatives
CM Gupta declared that the residents of Delhi will enjoy Ayushman Yojana and Ayushman Arogya Mandir in the near future. The Delhi government will give an extra Rs 5 lakh top-up as part of the Ayushman scheme, which will increase the overall coverage to Rs 10 lakh per beneficiary. Rs 2,144 crore has been allocated for this program.
The budget also focuses on urban development, with Rs 3,843 crore allocated to road and bridge infrastructure. To enhance living conditions for economically weaker sections, Rs 696 crore has been reserved for slums and JJ colonies.
Criticism of the Previous Government
In a stern criticism of the erstwhile AAP government, CM Gupta blamed them for corruption and financial mismanagement. She said that the income of the government had reduced because of revenue losses associated with liquor mafias and PWD contractors.
“The previous government failed in every aspect of development… Yamuna was unclean, road were damaged, air pollution was high. Delhi Jal Board, DTC… were facing losses. Dirty water and overflowing sewers became Delhi’s identity. Being handed over such a government and running it is no less than a challenge…,” CM Gupta said.
She added further, “The previous government did not have the will. Those figures were the result of financial mismanagement. Government income decreased because the government revenue was going into the pockets of liquor mafia and PWD contractors. The days of mismanagement of the disaster government are over.”
A Historic Budget Presentation
CM Gupta reached the Delhi Vidhan Sabha with her cabinet members prior to the presentation of the Budget. The session was historic as it witnessed the presentation of the first budget by the newly established Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Delhi after 27 years.
Before presenting the Budget, CM Gupta visited the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place to offer prayers. Expressing optimism, she said, “Bajrang Bali will do the best for Delhi. Delhi will progress, and Ram Rajya will be established.”
Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma echoed her sentiments, calling the Budget a “historic” financial plan for Delhi’s development.
The Delhi Budget 2025-26 heralds a historic change in the national capital with large-scale investment in infrastructure, women’s empowerment, and economic revival. The firm commitment by CM Rekha Gupta against financial mismanagement paves the way for a new chapter in governance in Delhi. With a Rs 1 lakh crore budget, the government will usher in an era of development and stability with Delhi emerging as a model city for development and governance.
