Kejriwal lauds Delhi budget, says would raise per capita income

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday lauded the Budget for financial year 2011-22 his government presented which, he said, laid the foundation of future India of 2047 when India celebrates its 100 years of independence.

He said the AAP government would make all efforts to raise Delhi’s per capita income by 16 per cent by that date, equal to that of Singapore.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the finance portfolio, presented a Rs 69,000-crore Budget and announced free COVID-19 vaccination to all in its medical facilities.

The seventh Budget of the AAP government has made provision of Rs 1,293 crore for expanding healthcare services and an outlay of Rs 50 crore under the Aam Aadmi Nishulk COVID Vaccine Yojana.

The Minister announced free COVID-19 vaccination to all in government hospitals in the coming phase of the inoculation drive.

Addressing a press conference in the Delhi Legislative Assembly after the Budget Mr Kejriwal said that despite tough times, a 6 per cent increase in allocation is commendable.

He said the budget covers all aspects of society, from women to the elderly, students, youth, all religions, and all castes.

The Chief Minister further said that the FY 2021-22 Budget laid the foundation for India in 2047, when 100 years of independence will be celebrated and would reflect the aspirations of the people.

Mr Kejriwal said that the aim for 2047 is to have the per capita income of Delhi equal to that of Singapore.

“For that, we will have to increase the per capita income by 16 per cent and we will do whatever it takes to achieve that,” he said.

Delhi’s per capita income fell by 5.9 per cent in the Covid-hit 2020-21 financial year.

“Ever since our government has taken over, we have only got surplus budgets. Even the CAG has stated that Delhi does not make losses; this year’s budget is also a surplus budget,” he added.

Mr Kejriwal said that 55 per cent of funds have been assigned towards ‘subsidy schemes, programmes, and development which displays efficient financial management on part of the Delhi government’. Mr Kejriwal also said that Delhi will bid for the 2048 Olympics, and the Delhi government will take up whatever infrastructure and other necessities that are needed to be created for the same.

A special budget has been fixed for installing 500 flags, and organizing programs to inspire feelings of deshbhakti and nationalism in the people, he added.