Budget Session: Baijal lists AAP govt’s achievements, plans

Ananya Panda

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 22

After initial disruptions by the Opposition on the introductory day of the Budget session, LG Anil Baijal resumed his speech in which he spelt out the achievements and plans of the AAP government and how its initiatives on various fronts have contributed in Delhi’ progress.

“Delhi has achieved significant economic progress. In 2018-19, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is estimated to be Rs 7,79,652 crore, registering a growth of 12.98 per cent,” underlined the LG, adding that the contribution of Delhi to the country's GDP was 4.14 per cent during the same period.

The per capita income of Delhi in 2018-19 is estimated at Rs 3,65,529 as compared to Rs 3,28,985 in 2017-18, indicating a growth of 11.11 per cent, Baijal said.

Baijal encapsulated various steps of good governance undertaken by the Kejriwal government in public education, healthcare and expansion of basic amenities.

Among various education reforms initiated by the AAP, the LG said the introduction of Nursery in 149 Sarvodaya Vidyalayas is a major one, taking the total number of such schools with Nursery to 301. Opening of one new Rastriya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya in 2018-19, upgradation of nine existing schools paving way for more intake, five schools of excellence with English as medium of instruction and a new course of Happiness Curriculum beginning this academic session are other major highlights, as shared by Baijal.

Baijal also mentioned about proposed increase in bed capacity by remodelling of 17 existing hospitals and the addition of 10,000 beds through under-construction hospitals in Burari, Dwaka and Ambedkar Nagar.

Before being adjourned for tomorrow, the House proceedings begun with obituary references to 40 CRPF martyrs who lost their lives on February 14.

BJP MLAs marshalled out

Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta and his two party colleagues were marshalled out of the House after he interrupted the LG’s address to demand an answer from the AAP government over its “delay” in sanctioning prosecution in a JNU sedition case.

Gupta, joined by Om Prakash Sharma and Jagdish Pradhan, rushed to the Well of the House even as Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel asked the opposition lawmakers to let the LG continue the address on the ground that it is not a part of proceedings of the House.

However, Gupta said, “At a time when the country is pained by the Pulwama terror attack you have been delaying the prosecution sanction in the JNU sedition case. Now that the LG is in the House you must clarify on its status”.