Delhi's 2025 Budget boosts MCD funding by 25%

Delhi's 2025-26 budget allocates ₹10,357 crore for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), marking a 25% increase from last year's budget. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that this extra funding will address sanitation issues in the city. She emphasized that ₹3,560 crore is earmarked for education, healthcare, and sanitation, while additional funds will come from tax assignments and fees. Gupta criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for not supporting the MCD adequately during their governance. She reassured municipal councillors that more funds would be available as needed to ensure cleanliness in the streets. The AAP previously allocated ₹8,423 crore for the MCD in its 2024-25 budget. The BJP aims to take control of the MCD from the AAP as the mayoral election approaches in April. Currently, the BJP holds 117 seats in the 250-member council. Their leadership position was strengthened after three members switched allegiance to the BJP in February. Recent nominations by the Delhi Speaker also favor the BJP in the upcoming mayoral vote. The MCD faces severe financial challenges, with liabilities amounting to ₹14,000 crore. The new budget includes increased funding for various sectors compared to last year. However, the chief minister argued that the AAP did not increase funding while in power. BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor expressed confidence that Gupta's experience would lead to improvements in MCD's financial health and services. Meanwhile, Atul Goyal, from a residents' association, called for oversight to prevent corruption and ensure effective use of the allocated funds.