Budget will give big push to development in Delhi: Sirsa
The Union Budget 2026–27 will drive inclusive growth, welfare and clean development for Delhi, said Minister of Industries, Food and Supplies and Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference, the minister described the Budget as visionary and people-centric, aligned with the goal of “Viksit Bharat @2047”. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for a Budget that delivers tangible benefits to all sections of society.
“The Union Budget will usher in happiness for the residents of Delhi. It will touch and strengthen the lives of farmers, labourers, women, youth, senior citizens, entrepreneurs and traders alike,” Sirsa said.
The minister said the Budget places strong emphasis on doubling farmers’ income through technology and market access. Women-led Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will be linked to markets with a dedicated allocation of Rs 100 crore, while the Bharat VISTAAR AI platform will provide real time, customised advisory services to farmers.
Highlighting women-centric initiatives, Sirsa said allocation for women-focused schemes has increased by 11 per cent, with nearly Rs 5 lakh crore earmarked. Under Lakhpati Didi 2.0, women associated with self-help groups will receive collateral-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh.
“Many sisters and daughters of Delhi will become Lakhpati Didis. Women will be able to start businesses and even purchase vehicles for commercial use,” he said. SHE Marts will also be established to strengthen market access for women entrepreneurs.
On skilling and education, the Budget provides for 300 new skill centres and 19 modern skill training institutes, with allocations rising by around 62 per cent. Education spending has increased to Rs 1.39 lakh crore, including five new university townships. AVGC Content Creator Labs will be set up in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai.
On clean mobility, Sirsa said, “Delhi has to be made pollution-free,” adding that an allocation of Rs 5,000 crore for the electric vehicle sector will accelerate adoption. “In the near future, you will see a significant reduction in pollution due to the EV sector.” He also said the Delhi–Varanasi High speed rail corridor will boost connectivity while reducing carbon emissions.
For the MSMEs and startups, the Budget includes a Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, Startup India Fund 2.0, Rs 3,000 crore for Plug-and-Play Industrial Parks and a Rs 2,300 crore Export Promotion Mission. “These initiatives are a big Sanjeevani for startups, businesses and the people of Delhi,” Sirsa said.
Delhi will benefit from Rs 13,611 crore under Centrally sponsored schemes. The Delhi Police has been allocated Rs 12,500 crore, while the Central Government hospitals will benefit from a national allocation of Rs. 10,000 crore.
“By increasing Delhi’s borrowing capacity to Rs 21,000 crore, the Central government has given a strong push to our infrastructure and development agenda. This will give a big boost to Delhi’s development,” Sirsa said.
He also said that free LPG cylinders will be provided on Holi and Deepavali to around 17 lakh beneficiaries through the DBT, with the Holi benefit to be released shortly.
