The BJP-led Delhi government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has presented its first budget for the national capital, marking a significant departure from the previous AAP administration. With a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, the budget reflects the party’s commitment to infrastructure development, women’s safety, healthcare, education, and public welfare. The five-day budget session, which began with a traditional “kheer” ceremony, showcased ambitious plans to transform Delhi into a “Viksit Dilli.”
Healthcare and women’s welfare have been given top priority in this budget. The government has allocated ₹2,144 crore for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, providing an additional ₹5 lakh insurance coverage for citizens. Additionally, ₹5,100 crore has been earmarked for the Mahila Samridhi Yojana (MSY) to recognize and support women’s unpaid domestic labor. For pregnant women and newborns, the Mukhyamantri Matru Vandana Yojana (MMMVY) will offer financial assistance of up to ₹21,000 along with six nutrition kits, benefiting one lakh women. Furthermore, the financial aid for women in distress and those with disabilities has been increased from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 per month.
Education remains a key focus, with nearly ₹2,000 crore allocated for education and entrepreneurship programs. The government has introduced new CM Shri Schools aligned with the New Education Policy and has earmarked ₹500 crore for an education hub in Narela. Additionally, ₹7.5 crore has been set aside for providing free laptops to 1,200 Class 10 students, while ₹21 crore will fund 100 new language labs offering courses in French, German, English, and Spanish. Another ₹50 crore has been allocated for setting up 175 new computer labs and smart classrooms.
Women’s safety is another major priority in this budget. The government has announced the installation of 50,000 new CCTV cameras across the city, in addition to the existing 2.8 lakh cameras. The Digital Travel Card will replace the old Pink Pass system, making free bus travel for women more transparent and corruption-free. The government will also establish Pink Police Control Room (PCR) units, increase recruitment of women police officers, and construct two new women’s hostels under the Sakhi Niwas Yojana for working women and students.
Infrastructure and urban development have also received significant attention. The budget has allocated ₹3,800 crore for the construction of flyovers and infrastructure upgrades, ₹1,400 crore under the CM Road Development Fund, and ₹1,000 crore for improving road connectivity. To modernize the power grid, ₹100 crore has been allocated for shifting overhead electricity cables underground as part of a pilot project. Additionally, the government has earmarked ₹500 crore for cleaning the Yamuna River and modernizing 40 sewage treatment plants, while ₹9,000 crore will be spent on drinking water and sanitation projects.
Other major announcements include the relocation of Tihar Jail to the outskirts of the city, with ₹10 crore set aside for surveys and consultations. The Delhi Fire Services headquarters will be upgraded into a hi-tech multi-storey building, with ₹125 crore allocated for modernization, including AI-based dispatch solutions. Additionally, the government has announced plans to host an International Film Festival in Delhi, allocating ₹30 crore for the initiative.
Despite the ambitious nature of the budget, it has faced strong criticism from the opposition. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Atishi called it a “hollow and unrealistic budget”, alleging that the BJP deliberately avoided presenting an Economic Survey to conceal revenue shortfalls. She further accused the government of slashing key allocations for essential sectors like education, healthcare, and municipal services.
The Delhi Budget 2025 marks the BJP’s first financial roadmap for the capital in 26 years, emphasizing development, welfare, and infrastructure. With an ambitious ₹1 lakh crore outlay, the government aims to bring significant changes to Delhi. However, the challenge lies in ensuring effective implementation and financial management without burdening the citizens. The coming months will reveal whether these promises will translate into real progress for the national capital.
