Delhi Assembly Budget Session Begins; BJP Govt to Present First Budget on March 25
The Delhi Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session commenced today at 11 AM, marking the first major legislative gathering following the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. In these elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regained power after a 27-year absence. The session is scheduled to run from March 24 to March 28, 2025, and will feature significant discussions, including the presentation of the new government’s inaugural budget on March 25 and the tabling of the third report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta to Move Motion for Financial Committees
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is set to propose a motion for the election of financial committees, a crucial step in determining the financial governance of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. According to the List of Business (LoB), the motion suggests electing nine members for the following committees:
– Committee on Public Accounts
– Committee on Estimates
– Committee on Government Undertakings
These committees play an essential role in examining financial transactions, expenditure estimates, and government undertakings, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Tabling of the Third CAG Report
A major highlight of the session will be the presentation of the third CAG report, which focuses on the operations of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). This follows the earlier tabling of two CAG reports during the first assembly session last month, which scrutinized the now-repealed excise policy and Delhi’s healthcare system. The DTC report is expected to reveal financial irregularities, operational inefficiencies, and policy gaps within the public transport sector, a long-standing concern for Delhi residents.
Legislative Discussions on Key Civic Issues
The assembly will also continue discussions on critical civic issues, including:
– Water shortages
– Waterlogging
– Sewerage blockages
– Desilting of drains
Members Surya Prakash Khatri, Mohan Singh Bisht, and Raj Kumar Bhatia are leading these discussions, which began on March 3, 2025, as directed by the Speaker. These issues have persisted in Delhi, especially during the monsoon season, and the deliberations aim to produce effective policy solutions.
Reports from Key Committees
The day’s proceedings will also include the presentation of reports from various committees:
– Business Advisory Committee’s First Report – Presented by Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht and Member Om Prakash Sharma, this report will outline the assembly’s legislative agenda.
– Committee on Private Members’ Bills First Report – Presented by Members Sanjay Goyal and Poonam Sharma, this report will provide updates on bills introduced by private members.
These reports will help shape the legislative roadmap for the session and establish priorities for upcoming discussions.
Question Hour and Special Mentions
Following standard legislative procedures, the session began with the National Song, “Vande Mataram,” followed by Question Hour, during which members posed starred questions, receiving responses from the respective authorities. Un-starred questions were submitted for future discussion. Additionally, under Rule 280, members were allowed to raise special mentions, bringing pressing issues to the Speaker’s attention for potential deliberation.
Significance of the Budget Session
This Budget Session is crucial as it will set the financial and policy direction for Delhi under the new BJP-led government. The budget, to be presented on March 25, will be closely monitored for its allocations in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, public transport, and civic amenities. The session, currently scheduled to conclude on March 28, 2025, may be extended as required by legislative needs. The discussions and decisions made during this period will play a pivotal role in shaping the governance and development of the national capital in the coming year.
