Delhi's AAP Government to Present 10th Budget Today, Based on 'Ram Rajya' Concept

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government is set to table its 10th annual budget for the financial year 2024-25 today. As per a party functionary, the budget will revolve around the concept of Ram Rajya.

This comes after the approval of the budget by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) and the lieutenant governor. Delhi Finance Minister Atishi will present her first budget after being inducted into the cabinet in March last year.

Sources in the AAP government said on Sunday that the budget is likely to have something for every section of the society in the election year.

Ram Rajya Themed Budget

“This time, the budget is likely to be based on the concept of Ram Rajya. This will be the 10th budget of the AAP dispensation. The budget is likely to have provisions for every section of the society, in accordance with the principles of Ram Rajya, in the election year,” a source said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has often spoken about the concept of “Ram Rajya”. In his Republic Day speech, he had said the AAP government has adopted 10 principles of “Ram Rajya” and is providing quality education, healthcare services, free electricity and water to people and ensuring women’s safety.

What Will the Budget Cover?

The government is likely to allocate Rs 1,000 crore in the budget for various initiatives in unauthorised colonies. The capital city has nearly 1,800 unauthorised colonies, accommodating 30 per cent of the city’s population.

The Delhi government is also likely to strengthen the road network in these unauthorised colonies and augment the water-supply pipelines and sewer networks. A total of 1,031 unauthorised colonies in the city are already connected to the sewer network, with a total installation of 4,000-plus kilometres of sewer lines, officials claimed.

Currently, around 1,400 unauthorised colonies in Delhi have water and sewer lines, drains and a network of 5,000-plus kilometres of road, they said.

Delayed Presentation of Budget

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi had earlier informed the assembly about the delayed presentation of the budget for the Capital. She also asked for the budget session to be extended till the first week of March to complete all proceedings.

“The budget was passed by the cabinet on February 11, and on February 13, it was sent to LG for his assent. We received the LG’s approval on February 14. There has been no delay from the LG’s side, it has been delayed on our part and it will be sent to the MHA for approval,” Atishi had informed the assembly, as quoted by Hindustan Times.