From Yamuna cleanup to free laptops: Key takeaways from Delhi’s ₹1 lakh crore Budget

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented a landmark ₹1 lakh crore budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 in the Assembly, the first by a BJP-led government in Delhi in over 26 years.

"This time, a historic budget of ₹1 lakh crore is being tabled, which is 31.5% more than the last budget. This is an unprecedented and historic budget," Gupta said while presenting the Budget in the Delhi Assembly.

The FY26 budget outlines ten key focus areas, including infrastructure development, electricity, roads, and water supply.

Key announcements in Delhi FY26 Budget:

• The chief minister proposed the allocation of ₹5,100 crore to provide ₹2,500 per month to eligible women, a key promise by the BJP in assembly elections.

• A major focus of the Budget is the cleaning and rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, inspired by the Sabarmati river front project.

• The government has allocated ₹500 crore for Yamuna cleaning, ensuring that only treated water enters the river through the decentralization of 40 sewage treatment plants (STPs).

• ₹500 crore has been earmarked for the repair and upgradation of STPs, and ₹250 crore for replacing old sewer lines.

• Gupta announced a new industrial policy and the formation of a "Traders' Welfare Board," alongside a commitment to host a 'Global Investment Summit' every two years to drive economic growth.

• ₹1,000 crore has been set aside for enhanced transport links between Delhi and NCR.

• The health sector has been allocated Rs 6,874 crore, with a focus on setting up health and wellness centres and expanding the Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative.

• ₹100 crore has been allocated for CM SHRI Schools, inspired by PM SHRI Schools and in line with the New Education Policy.

• The government will provide free laptops to 1,200 students passing Class 10, with ₹750 crore set aside for this initiative.

• A new education hub will be established in Narela.

• ₹696 crore has been allocated for slum redevelopment, while ₹100 crore will be used to set up 100 Atal Canteens across Delhi.