Budget allocation to Delhi stalled at Rs 1,168 cr; Atishi criticises Centre

In the Union budget for 2024-25, presented in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) received the same allocation of Rs 1,168 crore as the previous fiscal year, 2023-24.

The AAP government’s Finance Minister, Atishi, criticised the BJP, highlighting that Delhi did not receive any funds as a share of central taxes or as financial aid to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), despite contributing Rs 2.32 lakh crore to the central pool.

According to the budget documents submitted to the Lok Sabha, Delhi’s allocation from the Union Home Ministry included Rs 1,168 crore under the revenue head and a nominal Rs 0.01 crore under the capital head.

In the 2022-23 budget, Delhi was allocated Rs 960 crore, which was increased to Rs 1,168.01 crore in 2023-24. This amount remains unchanged for 2024-25.

Also Read: Budget 2024-25: Delhi Police gets Rs 11,400.81 cr, allocation down by 6%

Delhi did not receive any grants as compensation for its share in central taxes and duties, which was Rs 325 crore in the 2022-23 budget.

The budget estimates for 2023-24 combined Delhi’s share in central taxes and duties under “central assistance to Union Territories,” a practice continued in the 2024-25 budget.

In the 2024-25 budget estimates, the allocation under central assistance to Delhi was Rs 951 crore, identical to the 2023-24 budget. This funding is intended to support Delhi government schemes.

Other allocations for Delhi included Rs 2 crore for enhanced compensation to victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Rs 15 crore as contributions to the Union Territory Disaster Response Fund, and Rs 200.01 crore in additional central assistance for externally aided projects at the Chandrawal water treatment plant.

Atishi accused the BJP of neglecting Delhi’s needs, noting that the Delhi government had requested Rs 20,000 crore for infrastructure development and the MCD, which is 10% of the Rs 2.32 lakh crore paid as taxes, but received nothing in the budget.

“In contrast, the Kejriwal government has used the Rs 40,000 crore paid annually by Delhi taxpayers to provide excellent schools, free electricity, free bus rides for women, and Mohalla Clinics,” she said.

She challenged the BJP to point out a single initiative by the central government for Delhi in the last 11 budgets. (With inputs from PTI)