New Delhi : The Delhi Legislative Assembly budget session is likely to start from February 15 and continue till February 20. The Delhi budget this year will be the Aam Aadmi Party’s last before the Delhi Assembly polls, which are due in February 2025, and the first for the incumbent finance minister Atishi. This time, the Delhi government is presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in February instead of March. In the forthcoming budget, the Kejriwal government is set to address several significant issues, placing particular emphasis on education, health, electricity, water, roads, and infrastructure.
According to officials, Delhi Finance Minister Atishi will table the 2024-25 budget of the city government on February 16. A file of the budget session has been sent to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for his approval, the officer added. In a press statement, the Delhi government saidduring the preparation of the budget, the government has sought suggestions from all stakeholders in Delhi, and good recommendations from them have been included in the budget.
“The Delhi Government will also present the ‘Outcome Budget’ for the financial year 2023-24, showcasing the achievements and progress made in the previous fiscal year. Delhi is the only state in the entire country where the Kejriwal government presents the Outcome Budget every year. Through the Outcome Budget, complete transparency is provided to the people of Delhi regarding the public expenditure of the previous budget. In a way, the Outcome Budget serves as a report card of the performance of various departments based on the allocated funds in the previous fiscal year,” it said.
“Expect allocation of funds, to initiate entrepreneurship programs in colleges similar to schools Demonstrating a clear commitment, the government has highlighted education and health as key priorities for the upcoming financial year, emphasizing their importance for all residents of Delhi, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds,” officials said.
“Additionally, the budget allocates special attention to crucial areas such as water, roads, urban development, and various developmental projects. These aspects have been identified as top priorities for the forthcoming fiscal year, reflecting the government’s proactive approach towards addressing the diverse needs of the city and its residents. There is also an expectation of substantial allocation of funds for various developmental projects within Delhi,”it said.
The Delhi government has been preparing the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 for the past 20 days. On January 6, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal chaired the first high-level meeting regarding the budget. During the meeting, the CM held detailed discussions with all ministers on the upcoming budget’s priorities.