New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister and Finance Minister Rekha Gupta presented a budget of ₹1,03,700 crore for the financial year 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. This year, the budget’s theme is the ‘Green Budget,’ placing the utmost emphasis on environmental conservation alongside development. The Chief Minister clarified that Delhi is now moving beyond the culture of ‘freebies’ (free amenities) to invest in infrastructure and the environment.
5 Key Highlights of the Budget:
Focus on a Green Delhi: 21% of the total budget (approximately ₹21,777 crore) has been specifically allocated for environmental protection and green initiatives.
Education and Health Take Priority: ₹19,326 crore (18.64%) has been allocated to education, while the health sector has received ₹13,034 crore (12.57%).
‘Pink’ Employment for Women: 1,000 women will be granted free e-auto permits to enable them to become self-reliant.
Dust-Free Roads: A provision of ₹1,392 crore has been made to ensure that Delhi’s roads remain dust-free.
Electricity and Water: Delhi is set to become energy self-reliant through the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ (Prime Minister’s Solar Home Free Electricity Scheme). The Delhi Jal Board (Delhi Water Board) has been allocated ₹9,000 crore.
The Chief Minister announced several major initiatives aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure. The extension of the Kalkaji-Modi Mill flyover and the construction of a new flyover at the Savitri Cinema intersection have been approved, entailing an expenditure of ₹371 crore. A 54-km-long road will be constructed along the Najafgarh Drain. Furthermore, a provision of ₹200 crore has been made to underground overhead power cables, thereby ridding the skyline of dangling wires. MCD Receives Massive Funding
The government has opened its coffers for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The MCD has been allocated ₹11,266 crore—a figure significantly higher than in previous years. Of this amount, ₹1,000 crore has been earmarked specifically for road improvements.
‘Solar’ and ‘Cycles’: A Synergy for the Environment
The budget features new initiatives such as the development of cycle tracks along the banks of the Yamuna River and the installation of solar panels over drainage canals. This initiative will not only generate electricity but also prevent waste from being dumped into the drains. While presenting the budget, the Chief Minister took a jibe at previous administrations, stating, “The ‘vote-bank politics’ of past governments caused damage to Delhi’s revenue; however, our ‘triple-engine’ government is now steering Delhi toward new heights of development.”
Following the conclusion of the budget speech, Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta apprised the members of an email received earlier in the day containing a bomb threat. He noted that, following an immediate investigation, the House proceedings had commenced on schedule. The House proceedings were subsequently adjourned until 11:00 AM on Wednesday.
Budget Breakdown (in ₹ Crores):
Total Allocation: 1,03,700
Education: 19,326
Health: 13,034
Transport & Roads: 12,613
Urban Development: 11,572
Water Supply: 9,000
