New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized on Monday that the Union Budget has injected fresh momentum into Delhi's comprehensive development, highlighting that strengthened central assistance and improved coordination between the Union and Delhi governments will yield tangible benefits across the capital's infrastructure, security, employment landscape, and business environment.
Budget as Foundation for Viksit Delhi Vision
Gupta stated that the Budget, crafted under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, will play a decisive role in realizing both the Viksit Bharat and Viksit Delhi visions. She noted that it establishes solid foundational support for multiple major sectors, with Delhi positioned at its core. The enhanced focus on robust infrastructure, security arrangements, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), connectivity improvements, investment opportunities, employment generation, alongside dedicated attention to health, education, and tourism sectors will collectively accelerate Delhi's all-round progress, the Chief Minister elaborated.
Press Conference Highlights Balanced Approach
Addressing journalists at the secretariat during a press conference, Gupta characterized the Budget as balanced, forward-looking, and meticulously aligned with the needs of ordinary citizens. She revealed that Delhi has received focused attention in the budgetary allocations, securing direct central assistance amounting to Rs 1,348 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. This outcome stems from sustained dialogue between the Centre and her administration.
These funds will be strategically deployed to enhance infrastructure, water supply, and other essential facilities, Gupta explained. Initiatives like the Chandrawal treatment plant will significantly improve water distribution networks and advance our objective of ensuring round-the-clock water availability. This allocation reflects the Centre's acute understanding of the daily challenges confronting Delhi residents.
Unprecedented Borrowing Authority for Delhi Government
In a landmark development, the Chief Minister highlighted that the Centre has, for the first time, permitted the Delhi government to raise public borrowing. This provision will serve as a lifeline for our administration, she asserted, enabling critical work on flyovers, hospitals, roads, schools, and various other infrastructure projects. Through this mechanism, Delhi will be empowered to borrow approximately Rs 21,000 crore from the market, earmarked exclusively for capital expenditure purposes.
Capital Expenditure Boost and Job Creation
Gupta further pointed out that the increase in capital expenditure from Rs 11.2 lakh crore to Rs 12.2 lakh crore will substantially benefit Delhi by accelerating the execution of infrastructure projects and fostering large-scale job creation. Elevated capital spending will directly translate into more roads, advanced transport projects, and increased construction activities across the capital, she added.
Special Assistance Scheme Expansion
The Chief Minister also underscored the expansion of the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment, which has been raised from Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Rs 2 lakh crore. This enhancement will allow Delhi to fast-track numerous projects without imposing additional financial strain on the city's resources.
Direct Support for Delhi's Economic Backbone
Gupta emphasized that the Budget has placed significant focus on MSMEs and the services sector, directly addressing the core of Delhi's economy: small traders, shopkeepers, and service professionals. The allocation of a Rs 10,000-crore fund specifically for small businesses will ensure quicker access to capital, simplify loan procedures, and stimulate broader economic activity, she stated.
Given that Delhi is home to millions of small business owners and service-sector workers, the impact of this measure is expected to be immediately visible, strengthening livelihoods and boosting the overall economic momentum of the capital, Gupta concluded.
