Delhi’s Allocation in Interim Budget Remains Unchanged, AAP Accuses Centre of Step-Motherly Treatment, India

The Union Territory of Delhi has been allocated Rs 1,168 crore in the interim budget for 2024-25, sparking accusations of step-motherly treatment from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The allocation remains the same as the previous year, with Rs 1,168 crore under the revenue head and Rs 0.01 crore under the capital head. The budget has drawn criticism, with Delhi’s Finance Minister and AAP leader Atishi claiming that Delhi should have received Rs 15,000 crore from the Centre based on the city’s contribution through income tax. Atishi also highlighted the lack of allocation for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and expressed concerns about the lack of relief in the price of LPG cylinders and income tax slabs. The interim budget for Delhi also includes funds for enhanced compensation for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and central assistance for externally-aided projects. However, Atishi and Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely criticized the budget for neglecting key issues such as inflation, unemployment, education, agriculture, health, and public welfare. Despite these concerns, the hike in the defense budget to Rs 6.21 lakh crore for 2024-25 was welcomed, with a call for the allocated funds to reach the armed forces effectively.