Delhi Budget 2024: Highlights and Significant Allocations

Delhi, the capital city of India, has again had the opportunity to take an initiative for economic revitalization and infrastructural development with the Budget for the fiscal year 2024 -25 on the 4^th of March. On Monday,the Delhi Government revealed the Budget for the fiscal year, featuring a comprehensive allocation of Rs.76000 crore. During the budget address, Delhi’s finance minister, Atishi, declared monthly monetary support of ₹1,000 for women aged 18 and older. Additionally, she earmarked ₹16,396 crore for the education sector.

Let’s delve into the Blog “Highlights of Delhi Budget 2024” to understand its intricacies and explore the key points that render Delhi Budget 2024 a guiding plan for advancement.

Highlights of Delhi Budget 2024

1. In the fiscal year 2024-25, the Delhi government has designated ₹9,800 crore for housing and urban development initiatives. Noteworthy allocations include ₹902 crore for unauthorized colonies, ₹400 crores for the MLALAD scheme, and ₹275 crore for both the Mukhya Mantri Sadak Punarnirman Yojana and Mukhya Mantri Street Light scheme.
2. The Delhi government revealed a monetary aid of ₹1,000 for each woman aged 18 and above through the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana.
3. Budget allocation for civic bodies has been raised to ₹8,423 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, marking an increase from ₹8,241 crore in the previous fiscal year 2023-24.
4. A sum of ₹16,396 crore was assigned to the education sector, encompassing ₹1,213 crore specifically earmarked for higher and technical education. Atishi stated that education has been the foremost focus of our government. In 2015, we doubled the budget for education, allocating one-fourth of our total expenditure exclusively to this sector.
5. In the health sector, an allocation of ₹8,685 crore has been designated, which includes ₹6,215 crore for hospitals, ₹212 crore for mohalla clinics, ₹658 crore for free medicines, ₹400 crores for new infrastructure, ₹80 crore for Delhi Arogya Kosh, ₹194 crore for CATS Ambulance, and ₹916 crore for various other activities.
6. A sum of ₹7,195 crore has been designated for the Delhi Jal Board.
7. Public transportation has been allocated ₹5,702 crore, which includes ₹510 crores for electric buses, ₹340 crores for pink tickets, and ₹500 crores for the Delhi Metro.
8. Additionally, ₹6,216 crores has been allocated for diverse initiatives under the Social Welfare Department, Women and Child Development Department, as well as the SC/ST/OBC welfare department.
9. The Finance Minister of Delhi, Atishi, mentioned that the city will see an increase to over 10,000 buses by the year 2025.
10. The budget speech ends by commending Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal‘s leadership, highlighting his dedication to the well-being of Delhi’s residents and his vision to reshape the city in accordance with the principles of “Ram Rajya.”

Teerth Yatra for Senior Citizens

• Through the Mukhya Mantri Teerthyatra Yojna, 87,000 senior citizens and their families have participated in pilgrimages using 92 trains since the year 2019.

Rozgaar Yojana

• Within the Business Blasters program, approximately 2,40,000 students organized themselves into 38,000 teams during the academic year 2023-24 to develop their business ideas. A budget of ₹40 crores has been allocated to this initiative for the year 2024-25.
• Inspired by the entrepreneurship drive in Delhi schools, a new initiative called ‘Business Blasters Senior’ will launch in all universities from 2024-25. The government plans to invest ₹15 crores in start-ups at Delhi Government universities during this period.

Power Supply in Delhi

• In the fiscal year 2023-24, Delhi efficiently fulfilled its peak power demand of 7,438 MW without resorting to any load shedding.
• Additionally, over 22 lakh households enjoy the privilege of receiving electricity bills with zero charges, while 40.22 lakh domestic electricity consumers benefit from the electricity subsidy provided by the Delhi Government.
• A budget of ₹3,353 crores is suggested for the Power sector in the fiscal year 2024-25.

Honoring Our Martyrs

Over the last nine years, the government has offered an ex-gratia sum of ₹1 crore to the families of 35 martyrs. Additionally, the government pays tribute to the families of COVID-19 front-line workers. Families of 92 COVID warriors, who lost their lives during the pandemic, have been granted the Chief Minister’s assistance along with an ex-gratia payment of ₹1 crore each.

Water Supply in Delhi

• Roughly 62.5% of households in Delhi, equivalent to about 17 lakh families, have access to water without any charges.
• The water supply in Delhi has risen from 840 MGD to 1009 MGD.
• Water pipelines are present in 99.6% of unauthorized colonies.
• In order to guarantee access to water and sewerage amenities for every household in Delhi, a budget of ₹7,195 crores is recommended for the Delhi Jal Board in the financial year 2024-25.

Financial Support to Local Bodies

In the budget year 2024-25, the Delhi Government is set to offer comprehensive financial aid amounting to ₹8,423 crore to the local body. Within this allocation, ₹3,153 crore is earmarked for Education, Healthcare, and Sanitation. Additionally, ₹2,955 crore will be provided through Basic Tax Assignment (BTA), and ₹2,315 crore will be allotted for Stamp and Registration charges, along with a one-time parking fee.

Conclusion

Delhi’s 2024 budget promises positive changes, focusing on healthcare, education, sustainability, and economic strength. The increased focus on healthcare indicates a dedication to improving the overall health infrastructure, while the emphasis on education highlights a commitment to providing quality learning opportunities for the residents. This reflects a commitment to the well-being and progress of the diverse population. As these initiatives unfold, residents can expect a city that tackles current challenges and builds the foundation for a vibrant and sustainable future.

FAQs

Q1. Who will get Rs.1000 announced in the Delhi Budget 2024?

Ans. The Delhi government has declared monthly financial assistance of Rs 1000 for women aged 18 and above under the Mukyamantri Mahila Samman Yojna.

Q2. What is the Budget allocated for Delhi?

Ans. The Delhi government introduces the fiscal year 2025 budget with a total outlay of ₹76,000 crore.

Q3. What is the theme of the Delhi Budget 2024?

Ans. The Delhi Budget 2024 is proposed under the theme of “Ram Rajya.”

Q4. On which date Delhi budget 2024 was announced?

Ans. The Delhi Budget 2024 -25 was announced on the 4^th of March 2024.

Q5. What is the Budget of Delhi Infrastructure?

Ans. The budget for road infrastructure has decreased from ₹3,126 crore in 2023-24 to ₹1,768 crore in 2024-25.

Q6. Who is the Finance Minister of the Delhi Government?

Ans. Atishi Marlena is the Finance Minister of the Delhi Government, and she also presented the Delhi Budget 2024 in Delhi Assembly.