Delhi Budget 2026–27 unveiled: Green push, big allocations and political firestorm

New Delhi: The Delhi government has presented its Budget for 2026–27, with a total outlay of around Rs 1.03 lakh crore. Touted as a “Green Budget,” the financial plan focuses on infrastructure expansion, environmental sustainability, and continued investment in social sectors, even as opposition parties criticized it as “anti-people” and questioned its implementation.

A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to education, with over Rs 19,000 crore earmarked for building new schools, upgrading existing facilities, and strengthening healthcare support in educational institutions. The government reiterated its commitment to improving public education infrastructure.

Infrastructure and urban development also received a major push, with thousands of crores allocated to road construction, flyovers, drainage systems, and housing. Transport emerged as another key focus area, with plans to expand Delhi’s electric bus fleet and strengthen metro connectivity under future phases.

The government emphasized sustainability, with nearly one-fifth of the budget linked to environmental initiatives. Measures include expansion of electric mobility, installation of solar infrastructure, and pollution reduction strategies, positioning the budget as a step toward long-term climate resilience.

Welfare measures and governance reforms

The budget also outlined several welfare initiatives, including provisions for women, marginalized groups, and low-income households. A notable announcement was the distribution of free LPG cylinders during festivals, alongside continued spending on healthcare and social development schemes.

In a move aimed at strengthening policy planning, the government proposed the creation of a new institutional body, DITI Aayog, modeled on the national policy think tank, to guide data-driven governance and local innovation.

Additionally, allocations for water supply and sanitation were increased, with a focus on expanding pipelines, improving sewerage systems, and ensuring more reliable access to basic utilities.

Opposition slams budget, raises concerns

The budget triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties, who described it as disconnected from the needs of ordinary citizens. Leaders from rival parties alleged that the government had failed to address pressing concerns such as unemployment, inflation, and gaps in public service delivery.

Critics also questioned the effectiveness of welfare spending, claiming that several existing schemes have either been weakened or poorly implemented. Concerns over transparency, delays in infrastructure projects, and shortages in public sector staffing were also raised.

The budget session itself witnessed political tensions, with disruptions and protests highlighting the deep divide between the ruling government and the opposition.

A vision under scrutiny

While the Delhi government has positioned the 2026–27 budget as a forward-looking roadmap centered on sustainability and development, its success will depend largely on execution. With competing narratives around growth and inclusivity, the coming year will test whether the ambitious allocations translate into tangible improvements on the ground.

(The article has been compiled with the help of AI)

Tags : Delhi government, budget, rekha gupta, green budget. urban development