New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) The Delhi Social Welfare Minister, Ravinder Indraj Singh, praised the Union Budget 2026–27 on Saturday, noting that the increased funding for social justice and welfare initiatives will propel both the nation and Delhi to unprecedented levels of progress.

He pointed out that allocations for social justice and welfare sectors have risen by nearly 12.5 percent, totaling around Rs 14,800 crore, which will bolster efforts aimed at uplifting marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

As the head of the departments overseeing Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Classes Welfare, Cooperation, and Elections, the Minister characterized the Budget as a pivotal move towards the nation's comprehensive development and the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Ravinder Indraj Singh emphasized that the Budget, presented under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizes social justice, inclusive advancement, and the empowerment of underprivileged segments of society.

To facilitate greater engagement of Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Class students and youth, over Rs 9,200 crore has been allocated, which will broaden opportunities in education, skill development, and job placement.

The Budget also earmarks around Rs 1,350 crore for the empowerment of individuals with disabilities, enabling access to assistive technologies, skill training, and employment prospects, according to Ravinder Indraj Singh.

Moreover, the initiative to train more than 1.5 lakh caregivers for senior citizens is expected to significantly enhance the care ecosystem, particularly in urban areas like Delhi.

In the realm of healthcare, the Budget includes provisions for the expansion of trauma care, emergency services, and cancer day-care facilities, which are crucial for the welfare of vulnerable populations.

Regarding the cooperative sector, the Minister noted a significant increase of about 45 percent with a provision of approximately Rs 1,150 crore, aimed at promoting agriculture, digitalization, training, and employment.

Additionally, steps are being taken to ensure that essential goods are accessible to the public at reasonable prices through cooperative institutions and stores, as stated by the Minister.

In Delhi, efforts will also be directed towards enhancing training and institutional infrastructure to foster the cooperative movement, he mentioned.

Ravinder Indraj Singh asserted that this Budget continues the ideals of social justice and equal opportunity envisioned by Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, placing the upliftment of the exploited, marginalized, and Antyodaya segments at its core.

He expressed appreciation to the esteemed Prime Minister and the esteemed Union Finance Minister, asserting that this Budget will elevate both the nation and Delhi to remarkable new heights.