Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Presents a Historic ₹1 Lakh Crore Budget: A Record-Breaking Initiative Focused on Women, Infrastructure, and Welfare

KKN Gurugram Desk | On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled the 2025-26 budget for the national capital, setting a remarkable precedent by presenting a ₹1 lakh crore budget. The budget, which focuses on 10 critical sectors including electricity, roads, water, and connectivity, promises a new era of development for the city. This budget, which is 31.5% larger than the previous one, is a statement of intent, aiming to address key issues faced by Delhi’s residents while emphasizing women’s empowerment, infrastructure, and overall welfare.

Rekha Gupta’s Historic Budget Speech: Breaking Records and Setting New Benchmarks

In what can only be described as a game-changing move, Rekha Gupta has not only presented an impressive ₹1 lakh crore budget but has also broken several records previously held by her predecessors. She has set herself apart from Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister, and Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister, who were never able to present a budget themselves. In fact, Arvind Kejriwal never had the responsibility of the Finance Ministry during his tenure, which meant that he never presented the Delhi budget in the assembly.

Rekha Gupta, in contrast, took charge of presenting the budget in her very first year as Chief Minister, a role she has embraced with full responsibility. This move is a testament to her leadership and determination to take charge of Delhi’s finances, a feat that was never achieved by Kejriwal. For the first time in Delhi’s political history, the Chief Minister herself has presented the budget, putting an end to a long-standing precedent where the finance minister or a related department minister would do so.

Record-Breaking Duration and Content of the Budget Speech

Rekha Gupta’s budget speech, lasting over two hours, shattered the previous records set by Manish Sisodia, who delivered his first budget speech in 2015-16. Sisodia’s first budget speech was around 90 minutes long. In comparison, Rekha Gupta’s speech lasted a substantial 2 hours and 15 minutes, demonstrating her deep involvement in the financial planning and direction of the city. This extended speech not only covered the financial aspects but also outlined the core vision for the city’s growth, setting a new benchmark for future leaders.

Delhi’s ₹1 Lakh Crore Budget Breakdown: Focus on Welfare and Infrastructure

The Delhi Budget 2025-26 marks a significant leap from the previous fiscal year, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, up by 31.5% from last year’s budget. This increase reflects the commitment of the Delhi government to the development of the city across multiple fronts, with a special focus on infrastructure, welfare, and women’s empowerment. Here are some key highlights:

1. Women’s Empowerment: ₹5100 Crore for the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ A major highlight of the budget is the introduction of the Mahila Samman Yojana, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women in Delhi. A sum of ₹5100 crore has been earmarked for this scheme, which will provide eligible women with ₹2500 per month. This initiative is a part of the BJP’s electoral promises and reflects the government’s focus on improving the socio-economic status of women in the capital.

2. Prime Minister Jan Aarogya Yojana: ₹2144 Crore Allocation The Prime Minister Jan Aarogya Yojana, a health initiative designed to benefit the underprivileged sections of the population, has received a substantial allocation of ₹2144 crore. This move underscores the government’s focus on ensuring better healthcare access for all, particularly for the marginalized groups within Delhi.

3. Infrastructure and Connectivity: ₹1000 Crore for Better Urban Mobility Recognizing the critical need for better connectivity, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has allocated ₹1000 crore for improving the Delhi-NCR connectivity. This fund will be used to enhance transportation infrastructure, build new roads, and develop seamless connectivity between Delhi and its neighboring areas.

4. Development of Slums: ₹696 Crore for Slum Upgradation Addressing the needs of Delhi’s most vulnerable population, ₹696 crore has been allocated for the development and upgrading of slums. This initiative will focus on improving basic amenities, housing, sanitation, and overall living conditions in the slum areas, which have been a long-standing issue for the city’s poor.

5. Security and Surveillance: Installation of 50,000 CCTV Cameras Ensuring women’s safety and improving law and order are top priorities for CM Rekha Gupta. As part of her budgetary plan, a significant allocation will go towards installing 50,000 CCTV cameras across the city. This initiative aims to enhance public safety and reduce crime, particularly against women and children.

6. A Total of ₹100 Crore for Establishing 100 Atal Canteens The Atal Canteen scheme, aimed at providing affordable meals to the underprivileged, will see a funding boost with an allocation of ₹100 crore for setting up 100 Atal Canteens in various parts of the city. This is a direct effort to tackle hunger and provide nutritious food at minimal cost.

7. ₹1000 Crore for Health Initiatives Delhi’s health sector has also received a significant boost, with an allocation of ₹1000 crore aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure, supporting hospitals, and ensuring that essential medical services are accessible to everyone in the city. This includes funds for expanding public health facilities and strengthening existing healthcare systems.

8. Water and Electricity: ₹5000 Crore for Utilities and Services With a focus on the city’s growing demand for water and electricity, ₹5000 crore has been earmarked for the improvement and expansion of Delhi’s water supply and power distribution systems. This funding will go towards enhancing the electric grid, ensuring more stable power supply, and increasing the availability of clean water.

Impact of Rekha Gupta’s Budget on Delhi’s Future

Rekha Gupta’s historic budget is a clear indication of her strong commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure, social services, and security. By prioritizing welfare programs for women and the underprivileged, Delhi’s CM has made a significant step toward social equity and empowerment. This budget not only promises immediate benefits but also sets the foundation for long-term growth in areas that directly affect the city’s future.

Her emphasis on infrastructure and public safety further underscores the need for urban mobility and secure environments, which are essential for the city’s progress. With projects such as the expansion of CCTV surveillance, better healthcare, and affordable food initiatives, Gupta has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the city’s needs.

Moreover, with ₹696 crore allocated for slum development and a special focus on women’s welfare, Gupta’s budget is expected to have a lasting impact on the most vulnerable sections of society. These initiatives aim to not only improve the quality of life but also provide opportunities for social and economic upliftment.

The Delhi Budget 2025-26, presented by CM Rekha Gupta, is a monumental step forward in addressing the city’s most pressing issues. From women’s empowerment to infrastructure development, healthcare, and slum improvement, this budget has it all. It is a bold statement of her vision to transform Delhi into a more secure, prosperous, and inclusive city.

With an unprecedented focus on welfare, public safety, and urban development, this budget marks a defining moment in the history of Delhi’s governance. As Gupta takes charge and sets new records, it remains to be seen how these ambitious projects will unfold and shape the city’s future in the years to come.