New Delhi, Mar 25 (PTI) Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood on Wednesday termed the 2026-27 budget a “roadmap for development” and said it reflects the government’s focus on people-centric administration, higher capital spending and social welfare.
Speaking on the motion of thanks over the Delhi Budget 2026-27 presented by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday, Sood criticised the opposition for staying away from the discussion, saying their absence showed they were “detached from real issues” and avoiding accountability.
Addressing the assembly, he said the government has replaced “politics of chaos” with “politics of order”, creating an atmosphere of hope and positivity in the capital. The budget is not merely a financial document but a vision to build a developed Delhi, he asserted.
Sood said the Budget has laid emphasis on capital expenditure, which has increased to over Rs 32,000 crore in 2026-27 from Rs 28,115 crore in 2025-26, aimed at boosting infrastructure, employment and public services.
Highlighting financial management, he said Delhi’s tax revenue has seen steady growth, rising from Rs 55,000 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 68,700 crore in 2025-26. He also claimed that the city’s debt burden has declined significantly during this period.
The minister said inflation in Delhi has come down sharply, reaching 1.13 per cent by December 2025, which he described as the lowest in the country and a relief for common people.
Sood said the total budget allocation has increased to Rs 1,03,700 crore for 2026-27, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustained growth and stability. Delhi’s economic growth rate has now surpassed the national average, he claimed.
Sood, who also hold the education portfolio, said Rs 19,148 crore has been allocated for the sector, with a focus on improving access and quality through smart classrooms, digital labs and new school infrastructure. Initiatives such as providing bicycles to girl students and expanding CM Shri schools were also highlighted.
In addition, he said Rs 9,000 crore has been earmarked for water and sewerage projects, while public transport will continue to see expansion of the electric bus fleet along with free bus travel for women.
He also highlighted welfare measures such as Atal canteens, which have served over 28 lakh meals at subsidised rates, and increased allocation for slum development and basic amenities.
Sood said the government has prioritised long-pending infrastructure projects and taken steps to improve power supply, including approval of a Rs 17,000-crore power master plan.
He asserted that the budget focuses on development, trust and commitment and would help steer Delhi towards self-reliance and long-term growth.
In a apparent dig at the opposition, the minister lamented an alleged decline in the quality of discourse at the Delhi Assembly.
“There was an era in Delhi’s political landscape, specifically in 1993, when the BJP was in power and the opposition benches were graced by serious and erudite leaders such as Jag Pravesh Chandra. Such was their oratory that people were often more eager to hear the views of the leader of opposition than that of the finance minister,” Sood said.
“Throughout the 15-year tenure of Sheila Dikshit, leaders such as Jagdish Mukhi and Vijay Kumar Malhotra continued to uphold the dignity of the opposition. They engaged in discussions on economic policies with a deep understanding, thorough preparation, and a firm command of facts,” he added. PTI SHB SHB ARB ARB
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.