New Delhi [India], March 25 (HBTV): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented the Budget 2025-26 for the national capital, announcing a total outlay of INR 1 lakh crore.

Calling the budget ‘historic,’ the Chief Minister said it marks a transformation from a struggling economy to a Viksit Delhi.

‘This is not an ordinary budget. Delhi and the whole country are watching this. They have high hopes from the new government. This budget is not just an account or ledger; it is a budget of transformation from a struggling economy to Viksit Delhi. The Delhi government's budget this year is INR 1 lakh crore, which is 31.5% more than last year,’ CM Gupta stated in the assembly.

Addressing the assembly, CM Gupta stated that the Delhi government has allocated INR 5,100 crore for the Mahila Samridhi Yojana. Additionally, INR 28,000 crore has been proposed for capital expenditure in the national capital, with INR 1,000 crore allocated for infrastructure development to enhance connectivity with the NCR region.

The Chief Minister said, ‘Soon, people will benefit from Ayushman Yojana and Ayushman Arogya Mandir. Along with the INR 5 lakh from the Centre, the Delhi government will provide an additional INR 5 lakh to the people of Delhi under Ayushman. INR 2,144 crore has been allocated for this initiative. We had announced a reward of INR 2,500 for the women of Delhi, and a provision of INR 5,100 crore has been made to implement it under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana,’ she stated in the assembly.

She further announced that over 50,000 cameras will be installed for women’s safety. Additionally, INR 3,843 crore has been allocated for road and bridge infrastructure, while INR 696 crore has been earmarked to provide basic amenities in slums and JJ colonies.

CM Gupta criticised the previous AAP government, alleging mismanagement and financial irregularities that led to declining government revenue.

‘The previous government failed in every aspect of development... The Yamuna remained polluted, roads were damaged, air pollution was high. The Delhi Jal Board and DTC were incurring losses. Dirty water and overflowing sewers had become Delhi's identity. Taking over such a government and running it is no less than a challenge,’ she said.

She further alleged, ‘The previous government lacked the will to govern effectively. These financial issues were the result of mismanagement. Government income declined because revenue was being siphoned off by the liquor mafia and PWD contractors. The days of mismanagement by the previous government are over.’

CM Gupta arrived at the Vidhan Sabha with the Budget document ahead of the presentation, accompanied by her cabinet members.

Earlier today, CM Gupta held a cabinet meeting before presenting the first budget of the newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Delhi. Before heading to the assembly, she visited the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place to offer prayers.

Expressing her optimism for Delhi’s future, she said, ‘Bajrang Bali will do the best for Delhi. Delhi will progress, and Ram Rajya will be established.’

Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma also expressed enthusiasm about the budget, calling it ‘historic.’

This Budget Session is significant as it follows the 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election, which saw the BJP return to power after 27 years.

(ANI)