Priyanka Tiwari
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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented the ₹1 lakh crore budget for the financial year 2025-26, marking a 31.5% increase from the previous year. The budget outlines key priorities in social welfare, infrastructure, and public services, with a strong focus on urban slums and women empowerment.
Launch of Atal Canteens
A major highlight of the budget is the allocation of ₹100 crore for setting up 100 Atal Canteens across Delhi.
What Are Atal Canteens?
Inspired by Tamil Nadu’s Amma Canteens and Karnataka’s Indira Canteens, these outlets will offer hot, cooked meals for just ₹5, targeting low-income residents in slum clusters.
Political Backing:
The initiative was a key BJP poll promise, and will be implemented in every slum and JJ (jhuggi-jhopri) colony.
Similar Initiative in Haryana
The model mirrors Haryana’s Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteens, which provide ₹10 meals to farmers and laborers in agricultural markets. Initially seasonal, these canteens have operated year-round since July 2023, offering chapatis, dal, rice, and vegetables.
Other Key Budget Allocations
Capital Expenditure: Increased to ₹28,000 crore
Women Welfare Scheme:
₹5,100 crore allocated to provide ₹2,500/month to eligible women
Healthcare:
₹2,144 crore for Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Urban Infrastructure:
Over 50,000 CCTV cameras to be installed
₹696 crore allocated for basic amenities in slums and JJ colonies
CM Rekha Gupta Criticizes Previous AAP Government
Rekha Gupta did not hold back in her critique of the former Aam Aadmi Party government, accusing them of corruption and administrative failure.
“The previous government failed in every aspect of development... Delhi Jal Board, DTC were in losses. Roads were damaged, Yamuna was unclean, and sewers were overflowing,” she said.
She also alleged that government revenue was misappropriated by the "liquor mafia" and corrupt PWD contractors, calling the previous administration a “disaster government.”
