Delhi Assembly’s Budget Session, which was extended into March, provided Lt Governor V K Saxena an opportunity to underscore the achievements of the AAP government.
Saxena particularly highlighted the installment of over 1,00,000 CCTV cameras, 1,650 electric buses to the public transport fleet, and the ‘Delhi Arogya Kosh’ scheme which has offered free treatment to 5,00,000 citizens.
On the matter of energy, he emphasised the consistent satisfaction of peak power demands, devoid of load shedding, and a sustained status of the lowest electricity tariff among neighboring states for eight years.
During his address, Saxena acknowledged certain opposition from the BJP, who sought to criticise the administration’s performance. However, he reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing Delhi’s status as a world-class city, pledged to surmount upcoming challenges, and emphasized his optimism regarding Delhi’s progress with the support of the esteemed members of the House.
Touching upon healthcare, Saxena shared that over five lakh citizens availed themselves of the ‘Delhi Arogya Kosh’ scheme, while proposals for five new hospitals were in progress. Furthermore, he commended the substantial decline of 63% in the Infant Mortality Rate from 2010 to 2020.
Moreover, Saxena lauded the successful hosting of the 18th ‘G20 Leaders Summit,’ the opening of 15 new government schools in the academic session 2023-24, and significant advancements in the field of water and sanitation, especially highlighting the improved water supply and connectivity to sewerage systems.
Concerning environmental issues, Saxena revealed notable reductions in PM10 and PM2.5 levels and an increase in ‘Good Days.’ He also commended the city’s expansive green cover and emphasized that Delhi’s greenery now covers 23.06% of the city’s geographic area.
Transport-wise, Saxena praised the modernization of Delhi’s public transport, with the inclusion of over 7,100 buses servicing 500 routes, out of which 1,650 are electric buses. He also celebrated the government’s initiative of free travel for women in government buses, and the ongoing Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) projects, designed to boost the region’s economic potential and provide an energy-efficient public transit system upon completion.
Saxena concluded by affirming the government’s implementation of a new solar policy, deployment of 1,900 electric vehicle charging stations, and the development of ‘Waste-to-Energy’ plants as part of the waste management strategy.
(with PTI inputs)
