Delhi govt may borrow Rs 16,700 crore from market with RBI's help
New Delhi, March 24
While presenting Budget 2025-26, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Tuesday that, on the capital receipts side, the government will raise funds from multiple channels, including Rs 16,700 crore market borrowings routed via RBI.
Additionally, Rs 2,500 crore will be received as interest-free loans under the Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2025.
External aid for projects, including the Chandrawal drainage project, is expected to bring in Rs 380 crore.
Recoveries of loans and advances will contribute Rs 487.93 crore. Apart from these, the government will also have an opening balance of Rs 1,640 crore available at the start of the financial year.
Chief Minister Gupta said that of the total Budget, Rs 62,550 crore has been earmarked for schemes, programmes and projects, while Rs 41,150 crore has been allocated towards establishment expenditure.
The revenue Budget stands at Rs 72,900.28 crore, and the capital Budget at Rs 30,799.72 crore.
She said the government expects to mobilise Rs 74,000 crore through its own tax revenues. The largest share will come from GST at Rs 43,500 crore.
This will be followed by Rs 8,500 crore from VAT, Rs 11,000 crore from stamp duty and registration fees, Rs 7,200 crore from state excise, and Rs 3,800 crore from motor vehicle tax.
In addition, the government will receive funds from other sources. Non-tax revenue is estimated at Rs 900 crore. A sum of Rs 3,931.16 crore will come from centrally sponsored schemes, while Rs 968.01 crore is expected as central assistance and grants, she said.
Further inflows include Rs 591 crore from the Central Road Fund, Rs 1,500 crore under the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Rs 100 crore from the National Disaster Management Authority, and Rs 1.90 crore for the Delhi Assembly project, she said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some focus on capital investment! The Chandrawal drainage project funding is much needed. Delhi's monsoon flooding is a yearly nightmare. Hope the borrowed money is used efficiently and there's no corruption in the tendering process. 🤞
Rs 41,150 crore for establishment expenditure? That's a massive amount for salaries and admin. Would like to see a breakdown. Are we borrowing to pay government staff? The capital budget seems healthy, but the revenue side needs more scrutiny.
Interesting to see the SASCI scheme under the *Ministry of Tourism* funding capital investment. A bit unexpected, but if it brings Rs 2,500 crore as an interest-free loan for Delhi's development, it's a welcome move. The overall budget seems ambitious.
Good to see a clear plan for funding. The reliance on own tax revenues (74,000 crore) shows Delhi's economic strength. But borrowing from the market means future generations will pay the interest. Hope the projects funded create assets that generate future revenue.
As a small business owner, I'm glad GST is the biggest revenue source. It means formal economy is growing. But the government must ensure this borrowing improves ease of living - better roads, 24x7 water, and waste management. That's what matters to us aam aadmi.
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