Rekha Gupta Unveils Historic Rs 1 Lakh Crore Budget For Delhi, Doubling Capital Expenditure To Boost Infra Development

Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Rekha Gupta on Tuesday (25 March) presented the first budget of the newly elected BJP-led government, unveiling an ambitious Rs 1 lakh crore outlay for 2025-26, marking a 31.5 per cent increase from the previous year, ET reported.

This is the first BJP budget in Delhi in over 26 years, following its victory in the recent Assembly elections.

"This time a historic budget of Rs 1 lakh crore is being tabled, which is 31.5 per cent more than the last budget. This is an unprecedented and historic budget," said CM Gupta while presenting it in the Assembly.

A major highlight of the budget is the doubling of capital expenditure to Rs 28,000 crore, signalling a strong push for infrastructure, urban development, and public services.

"Days of 'corruption' and 'inefficiency' are over now," declared Gupta, as she emphasised the government's commitment to transparency and efficiency.

Earlier, Delhi CM Gupta convened a cabinet meeting ahead of presenting the budget. The CM also visited the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place to offer prayers.

Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma also expressed enthusiasm for the budget, calling it "a historic budget."

Key Budget Announcements:

• Healthcare: Rs 2,144 crore allocated for PM Jan Arogya Yojana; Rs 6,874 crore earmarked for the health sector, including new health and wellness centres and expanding 'Ayushman Arogya Mandir'.