New Delhi, December 5: The Chief Minister Atishi-led Delhi government has revised its budget estimates for 2024-25, increasing the outlay to ₹77,700 crore, up from the original estimate of ₹76,000 crore. The revised budget focuses on bolstering infrastructure, social welfare, and environmental initiatives.
Key Allocations in the Revised Budget:
- MLALAD Scheme:
An additional ₹400 crore has been allocated under the “MLALAD” scheme, raising the annual limit per assembly constituency to ₹15 crore, effective April 2024. - Power Subsidy:
To provide subsidies to domestic electricity consumers, the outlay under the ‘subsidy to consumers through DISCOM’ scheme has been increased by ₹350 crore. - Social Welfare:
- Pensions for widows will now receive ₹1,130 crore in the revised estimates, compared to ₹1,040 crore initially planned.
- Free travel for women commuters in DTC and cluster buses has been boosted with an additional ₹140 crore, bringing the total allocation to ₹280 crore.
- Public Transport and Infrastructure:
- For DMRC Phase-IV, ₹1,848.72 crore has been added.
- The Delhi-SNB and Delhi-Panipat corridors of the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) have been allocated an additional ₹100 crore.
- Environment and Green Cover:
- ₹64 crore has been earmarked for pollution control measures.
- The Forest Department’s total outlay increased to ₹113 crore from ₹39 crore, prioritizing plantation drives and green cover enhancement.
- Electric Vehicle Policy:
The government has significantly increased its allocation for the Electric Vehicle Policy, raising it to ₹140 crore from ₹30 crore in the initial budget. - Healthcare and Education:
- Hospital re-modelling projects will receive an extra ₹100 crore.
- School infrastructure development has been boosted with ₹124.80 crore for ongoing construction projects.
- Delhi Jal Board (DJB):
An additional ₹1,900 crore has been allocated to support DJB’s routine revenue expenditure.
Supplementary Grants Approved:
Chief Minister Atishi presented supplementary demands for grants amounting to ₹4,575 crore on the last day of the assembly session, which were passed by the House. These grants will cover additional expenditures required during the financial year 2024-25.
The revised budget reflects the Delhi government’s commitment to addressing critical needs, including urban transport, environmental sustainability, and social welfare, while enhancing public infrastructure and services.
