KKN Gurugram Desk | The Delhi Legislative Assembly will hold its budget session from March 24 to March 28, 2025. The session is set to be crucial, with a series of important announcements and policy decisions expected from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. On March 25, 2025, CM Gupta will present the budget for the financial year 2025-26, which is anticipated to focus on issues of great importance, including women’s empowerment, pollution control, the cleaning of the Yamuna River, education, and healthcare. As Delhi’s newly elected Chief Minister, this will be her first budget, and it carries significant weight for the city’s future development.

Budget Overview and Key Announcements

One of the most anticipated announcements from the CM is the proposed economic assistance for women under the ‘Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.’ There is widespread speculation that the Delhi government will introduce a scheme providing ₹2,500 monthly to every woman in the city along with a free LPG cylinder, further promoting women’s welfare and financial independence. This budget is particularly critical because it will also reflect the vision of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has returned to power in Delhi after 27 years, replacing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Following the presentation of the budget, a broader discussion on various policy matters will take place in the assembly, with legislators debating the budget’s contents, raising questions, and making recommendations. The budget will then be put to a vote, and the legislative body will decide on its approval.

Key Areas of Focus in the Budget

The upcoming budget will focus on a range of issues that have been part of the BJP’s manifesto and key promises made during the election campaign. Here’s what to expect:

1. Financial Support for Women: The BJP had promised financial aid to women in the lead-up to the elections, and this promise is likely to be fulfilled in the budget. The ‘Mahila Samriddhi Yojana’ could be a major component, offering ₹2,500 to each woman in Delhi, along with a free LPG connection. This move aims to empower women economically and socially while promoting greater financial independence.

2. Pollution Control and Air Quality: Delhi continues to grapple with severe air pollution, which remains a significant challenge. The budget is expected to include measures to combat pollution, such as the introduction of cleaner technologies, expansion of green spaces, and a push for sustainable public transport options.

3. Yamuna River Cleaning: Cleaning the Yamuna River has been a long-standing issue for Delhi’s government. The BJP has made a commitment to clean the river, and the upcoming budget is likely to include an allocation of funds for this critical environmental project.

4. Public Transport and DTC Reforms: The budget will also focus on improving the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and overall public transport infrastructure. A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding DTC’s financial management will be presented during the session, which could lead to reforms aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of public transport in Delhi.

5. Education and Healthcare Expansion: Education and healthcare are expected to receive significant investments in the budget. The government is expected to announce measures to improve the quality of education in schools, as well as provide greater access to healthcare facilities, particularly for underprivileged sections of the population.

6. Job Creation and Support for the Poor: The BJP government is expected to unveil plans to create job opportunities for the youth of Delhi. There may also be provisions aimed at providing nutritious, affordable meals to low-income families, in line with the BJP’s election promises.

Budget Discussion and Approval Process

After CM Rekha Gupta presents the budget, there will be a general discussion on March 26. This will be an opportunity for the legislators to express their views, ask questions, and provide input on various aspects of the budget. Following the discussion, the budget will be put to a vote and, if approved, will be implemented across the city.

Political Significance of the Budget Session

This budget session holds significant political importance, as it marks the return of the BJP to power in Delhi after a 27-year hiatus. The BJP’s victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections ended the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) decade-long rule, making this budget the first under the new BJP administration. It will serve as an early indication of the BJP’s approach to governance and its efforts to fulfill election promises.

The opposition, particularly AAP, is likely to use this session as an opportunity to question the government’s plans and highlight potential shortcomings in its proposals. This political dynamic will add another layer of interest and intensity to the budget discussions.

The Delhi Budget Session 2025 is set to be a pivotal moment for the city’s future. CM Rekha Gupta’s budget announcement on March 25 will lay out the government’s priorities for the upcoming financial year, with a special emphasis on women’s welfare, environmental concerns, public infrastructure, education, and healthcare. As Delhi navigates this crucial phase of governance, the decisions made during this session will shape the city’s policies for years to come. The implementation of these plans will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of Delhi’s residents, making this budget session one to watch closely.