Union Budget 2026-27 gives fresh momentum to Delhi’s development: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

Enhanced assistance and major projects for the Capital through Centre–Delhi coordination: CM Rekha Gupta

A budget delivering multi-dimensional benefits for Delhi-infrastructure, security, employment and business

Benefits of Central Government schemes have directly accrued to the National Capital, Delhi: Chief Minister

New Delhi, February 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta said that the Union Budget, prepared under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, strengthens the resolve for a developed and self-reliant India. The Budget inspires confidence across all sections of society and opens up new opportunities for a metropolis like Delhi.

Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday, the Chief Minister gave a comprehensive response to the Union Budget and expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that the Budget presented under his leadership exemplifies both economic strength and social balance. She also thanked Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, noting that the Budget is balanced, forward-looking and aligned with the needs of the common citizen. The Chief Minister expressed special appreciation for Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah for his continued support in matters relating to Delhi’s security, law and order, and administrative responsibilities.

The Chief Minister said that the most notable feature of the Union Budget 2026–27 is its core philosophy, built around three key duties. The first is to accelerate and sustain economic growth. The second is to fulfil people’s aspirations by expanding their capabilities, enabling every citizen to participate in the nation’s progress. The third is to turn the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas into reality, ensuring that every family, community and region receives resources and opportunities. She added that the Budget is anchored in youth power, reinforces the Government’s commitment to the poor, the marginalised and the deprived, takes concrete steps to empower women, and also provides relief to the middle class.

The Chief Minister also highlighted improved coordination between the Delhi Government and the Central Government. She said that continuous dialogue on funds and projects has ensured that Delhi’s interests have received special attention in this Budget. According to her, sectors such as roads, water, transport, health, employment and security improve most effectively when the Centre and the State work together, and this Budget reflects the strength of that cooperation.

Boost to construction and job creation

Highlighting the overall impact of the Budget, the Chief Minister said it is development-oriented, with enhanced capital expenditure driving construction activity and job creation nationwide. She noted that capital expenditure has been increased from ₹11.2 lakh crore last year to ₹12.2 lakh crore this year. This will lead to more roads, more projects and large-scale employment, directly benefiting major cities like Delhi.

Special provisions for women and youth

Referring to women and youth, the Chief Minister said the Budget includes provisions such as the construction of hostels for girls, enabling them to complete their education. New avenues have been opened for youth through skills, technology and employment. Special focus has also been placed on job creation in sectors such as health, sports and tourism. Overall, she said, the Budget balances development, reform and relief, and she elaborated on specific provisions made for Delhi.

Focus on the Orange Economy

Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta said that the Hon’ble Finance Minister’s reference to the Orange Economy in the Budget speech is a highly commendable step. She stated that, to promote emerging sectors such as AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics), the Central Government is planning to establish ‘Content Creation Labs’ in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across the country. Under this initiative, the Delhi Government will also integrate Delhi’s secondary schools and colleges.

She noted that Delhi is a services-sector-driven State rather than an industrial one, and therefore this sector has immense potential for rapid growth in the Capital. The endeavour, she said, is to encourage Delhi’s youth and students to engage with this sector, provide a platform for their creative talent, and ensure better employment opportunities for them within the city itself.

Direct Central assistance of ₹1,348 crore for Delhi

A provision of ₹1,348 crore has been made as direct Central assistance to Delhi. This amount will be spent on infrastructure, water and other basic facilities. Citing the Chandrawal Water Project, the Chief Minister said that initiatives such as the Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant will improve water supply, enhance pressure in older areas and advance the goal of round-the-clock water availability. This reflects the Central Government’s understanding of Delhi’s day-to-day challenges.

Delhi Police budget at ₹12,503 crore

The Chief Minister stated that the entire expenditure of the Delhi Police is borne by the Central Government, which is a major support for Delhi. In the 2026-27 Budget, a provision of ₹12,503 crore has been made for this purpose. This covers salaries, police station operations, vehicles, technology and the overall security apparatus. She noted that other States must bear this cost themselves, whereas in Delhi the Central Government assumes this responsibility, enabling the Delhi Government to allocate its resources to schools, hospitals, roads, water and welfare schemes for the poor. She described the role of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard as extremely significant.

SASCI expansion to directly benefit Delhi

Referring to the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Chief Minister said its size has been increased from ₹1.5 lakh crore to ₹2 lakh crore, an increase of nearly 33 per cent. This will allow Delhi to accelerate development works such as roads, flyovers, buses, water and sewerage without placing additional pressure on its own budget.

High-speed rail to boost trade and employment

On the Delhi-Varanasi high-speed rail project, the Chief Minister said that seven high-speed rail corridors will be developed across the country, including one between Delhi and Varanasi. This will ease travel, promote tourism, boost trade and create new employment opportunities, while further strengthening Delhi’s stature as a major economic and transport hub.

₹10,000 crore fund for small businesses

Focusing on MSMEs and the services sector, the Chief Minister said Delhi’s economy is driven by small traders, shopkeepers and service providers. The Budget provides a ₹10,000 crore fund for small businesses, facilitating quicker access to capital, easier credit processes and business expansion. With lakhs of small traders and service professionals in Delhi, the Capital will benefit directly.

Ease of Doing Business to simplify trade

The Chief Minister said several measures in the Budget will make doing business easier. Municipal bodies will receive support to mobilise funds, regulatory relief has been extended to the IT and services sectors, and reforms have been introduced in corporate bonds. Given Delhi’s large concentration of companies, start-ups and professionals, the impact of these decisions will be most pronounced here making capital mobilisation easier, boosting investment and employment, and imparting fresh momentum to Delhi’s economy.

Concluding, the Chief Minister said the Budget clearly demonstrates the Central Government’s serious commitment to Delhi’s development. Owing to the Delhi Government’s sustained efforts and dialogue, concrete and effective provisions have been secured for the Capital. She affirmed that, in partnership with the Central Government, the Delhi Government will implement every scheme on the ground and ensure that its full benefits reach every citizen of Delhi.