Delhi Finance Minister Atishi unveiled the much-anticipated budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, aligning it with the visionary concept of “Ram Rajya.” In her maiden budget speech before the Delhi Assembly, Atishi articulated the government’s commitment to realizing the principles of good governance and social welfare epitomized by Lord Ram’s reign.
Here are the key highlights from Delhi Budget 2024:
- Health Allocation Reduced by 11%: Despite the government’s emphasis on healthcare, there’s an 11% reduction in the health budget, amounting to ₹8,685 crore, down from the previous fiscal year.
- Expansion of Business Blaster Program: The initiative, previously limited to schools, will now extend to colleges and IIITD, with a budget allocation of ₹15 crore to nurture entrepreneurship among students.
- Continued Benefits for Delhiites: Atishi affirmed the continuation of 24-hour free electricity and 20,000 litres of free water for all Delhi residents, along with advancements in sewer connectivity for unauthorized colonies.
- Women’s Empowerment Scheme: A new scheme, “Mahila Samman Yojana,” promises ₹1,000 per month to women above 18, aiming to uplift and empower them economically.
- Education Gets Priority: With 21.57% of the total budget allocated to education, the government underscores its commitment to quality education, highlighting the rapid expansion of classrooms under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership.
- Economic Growth and Development: Delhi’s GDP nearly tripled in the last decade, with per capita income surpassing the national average, reflecting the city’s economic resilience and prosperity.
- Combatting Hunger: The budget allocates ₹684 crore to ensure that no one in Delhi sleeps hungry, underscoring the government’s dedication to eradicating poverty and hunger.
- Vision for Transformation: Atishi lauded the AAP government’s transformative efforts over the past decade, citing remarkable progress in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth.
- Kejriwal’s Leadership: Atishi hailed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as a beacon of hope for Delhiites, expressing confidence in his leadership and the collective endeavour to realize the vision of ‘Ram Rajya.’
- A Gesture of Respect: Before presenting the budget, Atishi sought the blessings of Manish Sisodia’s family, acknowledging his absence following recent events, and expressing gratitude for his contributions to Delhi’s development.
- Atishi’s budget presentation reflects the AAP government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, social justice, and the well-being of Delhi’s citizens, echoing the principles of ‘Ram Rajya’ in contemporary governance.
