Delhi Budget 2018: Arvind Kejriwal led AAP government presents Rs 53,000-crore financial plan

Delhi Budget 2018: The Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal led AAP government today presented Rs 53,000-crore budget for 2018-19 in the Delhi Assembly. Presenting the budget, Delhi's Finance Minister Manish Sisodia said the total budget was of Rs 53,000 crore, while adding that the budget in 2014-15 was Rs 30,940 crore and Rs 26,402 crore in 2011-12.
 
 The state finance minister, Manish Sisodia, said, "Despite demonetisation and GST, Delhi's economy is growing," adding that the government allocates Rs 1,000 crore for repairing small roads of the municipal corporations. Sisodia said, "Only problem is that LG will have to get NOC from corporations, I hope he will do so." 

Sops for using environment-friendly fuel

The budget has given thrust on reducing pollution levels in the national capital by proposing various measures, including concession in registration of CNG cars.

Presenting estimates for the 2018-19 fiscal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said this is the first 'Green budget' of the government aimed at effective containment of pollution in the city.

"We are going to thread 26 programmes and schemes of Transport, Power, Environment and PWD departments for devising a unified system of pollution control to bring down levels of different pollutants," he said.

Sisodia announced 50 per cent concession in registration of CNG cars, and said solar panels will be installed over 16 km cycle track.

As many as 1,000 indoor display boards will be installed in government buildings to display information on air pollution levels. There will also be subsidy for restaurants to encourage them to move from using coal to electricity or gas-based tandoors.

He said, A 50% waiver on registration fee of factory-fitted CNG cars. "This too would only happen with the L-G's approval," and added, "We are using the carrot and stick approach. For overloaded trucks, weighing bridge being installed. In addition, a third party audit of PUC being is done with the involvement of MIT and University of Chicago." 

Over Rs 6,700 cr allocated for health sector

The AAP government allocated Rs 6,729 crore for the health sector in its budget for 2018-19, announcing the launch of a 'health insurance for all' scheme.

The Deputy Chief Minister said an allocation of Rs 6,729 crore, which is 12 per cent of the total budget, has been made for the health sector.

He said a 'health insurance for all' scheme will be launched and Rs 100 crore has been allocated for it, adding first response vehicle will also be launched from East Delhi with 16 bike ambulances.

Rs 403 crore will be allocated for setting up 'mohalla' and poly clinics in the national capital, he said.

While tabling the first Outcome Budget 2017-18, Sisodia had said that the Delhi government has managed to set up 160 Mohalla clinics till December 31 this fiscal, against a target of 1,000 such facilities. 

On Education
 
The State finance minister, who also holds education portfolio, informed that the government has increased the budget allocation for education this year at Rs.13,997 crore. This is 26% of the total budget from 23.5% in 2017-2018. Other key points announced by Sisodia are:
 
All school managing committees will be given Rs 5 lakh each to strengthen libraries, arts education.
 
Coffee machines to be added to staff rooms.
 
Rs 10 crore allocated for self defence training for students.
 
Rs 15 crore allocated for school ranking to be done by Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
 
Rs 20 crore allocated for sports facilities in schools.

Around 200-250 cameras to be installed in each school so parents can see their children through live-streaming. All school teachers will also get tablet computers to keep record of attendance.

(With agency inputs)