Atishi Calls on BJP to Avoid Financial Excuses for Mahila Samman Scheme
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Synopsis
In a press conference, outgoing Delhi Chief Minister Atishi emphasized the AAP government's positive financial record and urged the BJP to avoid using budget constraints as a reason for not implementing the Mahila Samman scheme, which includes monthly financial assistance to women.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi's Budget has increased significantly under AAP.
- Debt-to-GDP ratio improved during AAP's governance.
- BJP should honor commitments to women without financial excuses.
- Delhi is recognized as the only revenue-surplus state since 2015.
- Comparison of debt-to-GDP ratios highlights AAP's financial management.
New Delhi, Feb 14 (NationPress) Presenting evidence of the AAP government’s robust financial standing, outgoing Delhi Chief Minister Atishi urged that the incoming BJP administration should not use financial constraints as a rationale for neglecting essential initiatives such as the Rs 2,500 monthly support to women.
While addressing the press, Acting Chief Minister Atishi emphasized the importance of the AAP government’s welfare programs, countering the notion that Arvind Kejriwal's welfare-centered policies equate to poor fiscal management.
She highlighted the AAP government’s commendable economic performance to preempt any potential claims from BJP leaders regarding the outgoing administration's financial shortcomings, which could hinder the fulfillment of the BJP’s electoral pledges.
“I anticipate that the upcoming BJP government will refrain from financial justifications and will honor all commitments made to women and the public,” she remarked.
She noted that the Delhi Budget allocation under Central governance in 2014-15 amounted to Rs 31,000 crore, while under the Congress regime in 2009-10, it was Rs 25,000 crore.
Fast forward to the 2024-25 fiscal year, the city’s Budget allocation has soared to Rs 77,000 crore, marking a significant increase of 2.5 times since AAP took office.
On the issue of debt incurred from the preceding Congress administration, Atishi shared that the debt-to-GDP ratio was 6.6 percent in 2014, decreasing to 3.9 percent in 2023, and projected to be 3 percent in 2024.
“During Arvind Kejriwal's tenure, the city’s debt-to-GDP ratio was successfully halved from 6.6 percent to 3 percent,” she pointed out, showcasing the AAP government’s financial management prowess.
Acting CM Atishi also compared the fiscal challenges faced by BJP-led states, revealing the debt-to-GDP ratios in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh at 32.5 percent and 33 percent, respectively.
Additionally, she referenced a CAG report from 2022 that praised the AAP-led Delhi government for being the only revenue-surplus state in the nation since 2015.
