Delhi Budget 2026-27 Unveiled with Major Social Welfare and Infrastructure Push
Chief Minister and Finance Minister Rekha Gupta presented the Delhi Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, outlining a comprehensive plan focused on social empowerment, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. The budget introduces significant allocations aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, with a special emphasis on welfare schemes and public services.
Social Welfare Initiatives Take Center Stage
Highlighting the government's commitment to social empowerment, CM Gupta announced a total allocation of Rs 7,406 crore for women and child development. Key schemes under this umbrella include:
- Mahila Samriddhi Yojana: Rs 5,110 crore to support women's economic independence and entrepreneurship.
- Free Bus Travel: Rs 450 crore for providing free bus travel to women and transgender persons, promoting gender inclusivity and mobility.
- Free LPG Cylinders: Rs 260 crore to distribute free LPG cylinders to every household on Holi and Diwali, ensuring cleaner cooking fuel during festive seasons as part of health and welfare measures.
- Lakhpati Beti Yojana: Rs 128 crore aimed at empowering girls through financial literacy and savings programs.
Healthcare Sector Receives Substantial Boost
The health sector has been allocated Rs 12,645 crore, reflecting a strong focus on improving medical infrastructure and services. Key components include:
- ICU and Hospital Projects: Rs 150 crore for upgrading and establishing new intensive care units and hospital facilities.
- Medicines and Equipment: Rs 787 crore to ensure adequate supply of essential drugs and modern medical equipment across healthcare centers.
- Ayushman Scheme Expansion: Rs 202 crore to broaden the coverage of the Ayushman health insurance scheme, making healthcare more accessible to vulnerable populations.
Additionally, the budget plans to establish over 750 new health centers and allocate Rs 25 crore for the ANMOL scheme, which focuses on newborn screening to detect and prevent early health issues.
Education Funding Prioritized for Growth and Innovation
With an allocation of Rs 19,148 crore, the education sector is set to see significant enhancements. Key initiatives include:
- Infrastructure Development: Rs 200 crore for constructing new school buildings and Rs 275 crore for expanding existing schools to accommodate growing student populations.
- Student Support Programs: Rs 90 crore for providing bicycles to girl students to improve attendance and mobility, and Rs 10 crore for laptops to meritorious students to support digital learning.
- Technological Upgrades: Rs 150 crore for implementing smart classrooms, integrating technology into teaching methods for better educational outcomes.
- Technical Education: Rs 720 crore to strengthen vocational and technical training programs, aligning education with industry needs.
Transport and Environmental Initiatives for a Sustainable Delhi
The transport sector has been allocated Rs 8,374 crore, with a focus on eco-friendly mobility solutions. Plans include introducing 6,130 new electric buses, targeting a fleet of 7,500 buses by 2027 to reduce carbon emissions. Metro expansion receives Rs 2,885 crore to enhance connectivity, while Rs 200 crore is set aside for the EV policy to promote electric vehicle adoption.
For environmental sustainability, Rs 130 crore has been allocated to develop new forest areas, forming part of a "green budget" initiative. This aims to fulfill the government's commitment to creating a greener Delhi by increasing green cover and combating pollution.
CM Gupta emphasized that these allocations are designed to address key urban challenges while promoting inclusive growth. The budget reflects a balanced approach, combining immediate welfare measures with long-term infrastructure projects to build a resilient and prosperous Delhi.
