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Kicking off the Delhi budget session Friday, L-G V K Saxena, in his maiden address, lauded the Delhi government’s efforts at governance and the work it has done over the past eight years. “Despite various constraints, my government has taken up a number of initiatives on various fronts and laid a strong edifice on which it can help build a developed and prosperous Delhi,” he said.
“Delhi being the national capital attracts people from all parts of the country… My government seeks to fulfil their aspirations through sincere responsiveness and efforts. I am sure that with the help and cooperation of members of this House, we shall overcome challenges and transform Delhi into a modern, progressive, and global city,” Saxena added.
The L-G summarised the policies and schemes and said, “The pandemic impacted demand and supply of goods and services in the economy. However, Delhi remained an island of robust economic fundamentals.”
The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices increased from Rs 6,16,085 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 9,23,967 crore in 2021-22, registering a growth of 50%. Contribution of Delhi to national GDP (at current prices) is 4.22% as compared to its share of 1.52% in the total population of the country, he said.
The per capita income of Delhi at current prices is estimated at Rs 4,01,982 in 2021-22 registering an increase of 16.81% as compared to Rs 3,44,136 in 2020-21. Share of the services sector in Delhi’s economy is about 83.94%.
The Delhi government aims to increase the percentage of its working population from the current 33% to 45% in the next five years, said the L-G.
On the education front, he said improving quality of education aided by complementary infrastructure has been the goal of the government, and students have performed well due to the government’s focused attention.
On programmes and initiatives started by the government for welfare of women and elderly, he said, “My government believes in inclusive development. We have made special efforts to help the vulnerable population and poorest of the poor. An MoU has been signed with UN Women to provide technical support to the Government of Delhi to strengthen its ongoing efforts to eliminate violence and discrimination against women.”
He listed various infrastructure projects such as the Ashram flyover and underpass, Pragati Maidan tunnel and six underpasses on Mathura Road and others, and said 1,35,500 CCTVs, 500 national flags have been installed and 20,000 classrooms have been inaugurated.
On health, Saxena said providing better facilities to the people of Delhi is one of the prime objectives of the government. “A total of 18 new hospitals are under construction, 19 existing hospitals have been revamped, five new hospitals at Bindapur, Baprola, Deendarpur, Keshavpuram and Sangam Vihar are in the planning stage.”
Saxena and Kejriwal also had an exchange over the ongoing tussle between their offices. “There is no doubt that the dignity of speech has shattered in the last few days. But I want to say this… but like leaves shed from trees and grow back again. Similarly, we are one government and our relations will continue to grow,” said the L-G.
Reacting to this, the CM said, “These are little things and it doesn’t matter. Democracy should be respected. 2 crore people have elected us and sent us to form a government, the government should be allowed to work… How will a government work if you create all kinds of obstacles… It is not right.”
Kejriwal also said that despite the obstacles, the L-G acknowledged and commended the achievements and work carried out by the AAP government in Delhi.
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