The Delhi government is dedicating a significant portion of its budget, approximately 35%, to welfare schemes aimed at providing essential services and support to its residents. This allocation covers a range of initiatives, including free electricity and water, as well as free public bus rides for women. A recent report by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, analyzing budget transactions for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26, highlights this substantial commitment to social welfare.
The report indicates a considerable portion of the government's expenditure is directed towards current transfers and subsidies. Gross expenditure on these transfers, which include subsidies, has increased steadily, from ₹23,563.22 crore in 2023-24 to ₹25,896.13 crore in 2024-25, and further to ₹34,519.86 crore in 2025-26. These transfers encompass funds allocated to aided schools, scholarships, welfare programs for weaker sections of society, private institutions, local bodies, and autonomous entities. A significant share of subsidy spending is allocated to concessional passes offered by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), which addresses public transport deficits and covers operational costs for buses.
In March 2024, Delhi's Finance Minister, Ms. Atishi, presented the budget for the financial year 2024-25, outlining an estimated expenditure of ₹71,086 crore, which is 2% higher than the revised estimates of 2023-24. The budget also included provisions for repaying debt worth ₹4,914 crore in 2024-25. Furthermore, revenue receipts for 2024-25 were estimated at ₹64,521 crore, representing a 4% increase over the revised estimate for 2023-24.
Several key initiatives have been launched or are in the pipeline. The Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, with an allocation of ₹2,000 crore in 2024-25, aims to provide ₹1,000 per month to every adult woman, excluding income tax payers, those covered under existing pension schemes, and government employees. To enhance last-mile connectivity, the government plans to purchase 2,808 e-buses in 2024-25, with a target of having over 10,000 buses by 2025, 80% of which will be electric. Work on Phase-4 of the Delhi Metro, consisting of 45 stations across three metro corridors spanning 65 kilometers, is also set to commence.
The Delhi government has been emphasizing improvements in health, sanitation, infrastructure, education, welfare schemes, and citizen support systems, with service delivery as a central policy objective. As part of these structural reforms, the government plans to establish "mini-secretariats" in all 13 revenue districts to bring various services, including revenue services, registrations, certificates, welfare schemes, and grievance handling, under one roof.
While the government has made significant strides in strengthening service delivery, some welfare promises are still pending. The Mahila Samriddhi Scheme, which proposes a monthly assistance of ₹2,500 to eligible women from economically weaker sections, is yet to be rolled out, with implementation now expected in 2026. Similarly, the promise of free and subsidized LPG cylinders for women from underprivileged families is awaiting execution, as the beneficiary database is still being prepared.
Despite these delays, the Delhi government's commitment to welfare schemes remains strong, with a substantial portion of its budget allocated to providing essential services and support to its residents. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations and promote inclusive growth across the capital.
