Budget 2004-05
(Govt. of NCT of Delhi)
Budget Speech
Hon’ble Speaker, Sir,
1. I rise to present the Budget of our Government for the year 2004-05.
2. Mr. Speaker Sir, this is the sixth successive budget of our Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit. On this occasion, I would like to sincerely thank the people of the National Capital Territory for reposing their trust in the policies and programmes of our Government and ensuring its overwhelming victory in the last Assembly Elections.
3. Sir, I would like to share with the House a sense of satisfaction at the robust showing of Delhi’s economy and express our sincere gratitude for the cooperation, support and encouragement that the people of Delhi have consistently given to us.
4. Sir, I wish to submit a few vital initiatives taken by the Government during the last five years. We initiated reforms in the key Sectors of city development viz., Power, Water Supply, Sanitation, Transport, Education, Health, Environment, etc. After reforms in the Power Sector, emphasis of our Government would be to carry out reforms in other Sectors. A number of studies have been completed in these Sectors and some are in progress.
5. Sir, our Government is of the firm view that civic development in any habitat, whether urban or rural, can not be carried out to the satisfaction of the people without their participation. Our Government is committed to involving more and more citizen groups in the process of development of Delhi. As a further step in this direction, a specific fund under the Bhagidari Citizen Government partnership will be created. Minor works/activities relating to environment improvement and protection, habitat improvement, water conservation and harvesting, plantation of trees and sanitation improvement will be financed from this fund in case funds are not available from the normal plan/non-plan budget of the departments concerned. All these works will be implemented by the departments/agencies concerned in close coordination with the citizen groups of the area.
6. Sir, Government is aware of the role of local bodies in providing better civic amenities and also their maintenance. Taking into account these responsibilities as well as our commitment to provide transparent administration, a people friendly Property Tax system has been introduced by MCD
w.e.f. April, 2004. Hon’ble members will agree that this is one of the most successful reform programmes initiated by the Government in administration of taxes. The Government has also decided to enhance the financial assistance to local bodies from our tax revenue, from 9.5 % to 10.5 %.
Fiscal Scenario
7. Mr. Speaker Sir, our Government has managed to maintain a consistent Revenue Surplus. This unique financial position gives Delhi a pride of place in the country, as most of the non-special category States have revenue deficits. Delhi Government’s Revenue Surplus was Rs.2067.74 crore in 2002-03, representing 2.78% of GSDP during the year. The Revenue Surplus was tentatively placed at Rs. 2262.46 crore in 2003-04 and budgeted at Rs.1964.74 crore for 2004-2005.
8. Delhi Government’s Revenue Receipt was Rs. 6665.94 crore in 2002-2003, which represents 8.95% of GSDP for the year. The Revenue Receipt of Delhi Government as per latest estimates is Rs. 7349.48 crore in 2003-2004. The budgetary target of Revenue Receipt is kept at Rs.7917.08 crore for 2004-05, with a growth of 7.72%. Delhi Government’s Tax Buoyancy during 1998-99 to 2002-03 was 1.29 as compared to 0.89 during 1994-95 to 1998-99 which indicates improved
tax receipts during the first tenure of our Government.
9. Sir, Delhi has abundant scope to raise small savings loans, unlike other States. However, we utilize this facility judiciously. During 2003-2004, we received small savings loan of Rs.4408.07 crore. Out of this, we retained Rs.2308.07 crore for funding the Annual Plan 2003-04 and remaining Rs.2100 crores was utilized to retire part of outstanding costly debt, received in the previous years. We received small savings loan at an interest rate of 9.5% during 2003-04. With the retirement of the old debt taken at higher interest rates of 13.5% and above, Delhi Government’s interest liability would come down substantially. This reflects a positive feature of our prudent financial management.
Fiscal Deficit
10. Mr. Speaker Sir, Delhi continues to have low fiscal deficit. Delhi Government’s Fiscal Deficit was 3.22% of GSDP in 2002-2003 as compared to the estimated 4.7% of all States and 5.4% of the Government of India during the year. This Deficit is estimated at Rs.2437.76 crore in 2003-2004 and budgeted at Rs.2359.97 crore for 2004-2005.
11. Sir, our Government is conscious of the fact that reining in the fiscal deficit is an imperative. In this direction, DVB has been unbundled and its distribution business has been privatized with effect from 30th June, 2002 (mid-night). The consultant’s report regarding restructuring of DTC is being
examined by the Government. In case of DJB, consultants are in the process of finalizing the report on its restructuring. This coupled with the massive retirement of costly loans, will reduce Delhi Government’s interest liability and as a result, will help in reducing the fiscal deficit .
Central Assistance
12. Sir, previous Central Government in its interim budget for 2004-2005 has reduced the Central Assistance for Delhi from Rs.589.18 crore to Rs.428 crore for the year 2003-2004. Due to this unilateral cut in Central Assistance, we were constrained to reduce the revised Plan size for 2003-2004 from Rs.5025 crore to Rs.4864 crore.
Annual Plan 2004-05
13. Sir, I have already presented the estimates of Receipts and Expenditures for the year 2004-2005 while seeking vote on account for the current year. We do not contemplate any change in these estimates. I, therefore, reiterate that the budget estimate for 2004-2005 is for a total expenditure of Rs.12780 crore which includes Rs.5000 crore as Plan outlay, Rs.7715 crore as provision for Non-plan Expenditure and Rs.65 crore for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). The proposed budgetary expenditure of Rs.12780 crore will be met through estimated Own Revenue Receipts of Rs.7378.05 crore, share in Central Taxes of Rs.325 crore, small savings loan of Rs.4500 crore, Central Plan Assistance of Rs.428 crore and other receipts of Rs.148.95 crore. Now I will touch upon major sectors and programmes of development for 2004-05.
TRANSPORT
14. Sir, on the basis of studies conducted by various expert Institutions / Organizations , a number of reformative and innovative programmes have been started to provide better, efficient and convenient public transport system to the citizens of Delhi. The study conducted for restructuring of DTC has made a number of recommendations to make DTC an efficient organisation. The Central Road Research Institute has also made a number of useful recommendations to improve the quality of road maintenance.
15. Under a massive programme started in 1999, 20 new flyovers have already been constructed and work is in progress on 12 more . Out of these 12 flyovers under construction, 6 flyovers will be completed within next three months.
16. The work on first phase of Metro Rail is progressing as per schedule and all the three corridors will become functional by September, 2005. Our Government has also approved extension of existing corridors and new corridors under
second phase and work will start during 2005 . The first corridor of Shahdara-Rithala made operational in March, 2004 has provided a most convenient and assured public transport system to the citizens of Delhi.
17. Sir, our Government took the leading role in providing dedicated Regional Rail Network connecting Sahibabad, Ghaziabad and Gurgaon by financing the total feasibility study of the project. We are pursuing the matter with NCR Planning Board, Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Railways for expediting the implementation of this project.
18. Sir, to improve the work culture in the Transport Deptt. & to provide efficient and convenient services to all the visitors, a number of measures are being taken up. These include introduction of Smart Card System both for registration of vehicles and driving licences, remodeling of Zonal Offices with better public conveniences, etc. Further, the system of fitness of commercial and public transport vehicles is being modernized in collaboration with ARAI, Pune. Two more motor driving training schools on the pattern of IDTR, Loni Road, will be made functional at Burari and Sarai Kale Khan.
19. The ISBT at Sarai Kale Khan will be modernized with a cost of more than Rs.97 crore. The work on two new ISBTs at Dwarka and Narela will commence during this year on BOT basis.
20. Sir, with the rapid development of Trans Yamuna Area during the last five years and also development of new colonies in Ghaziabad and NOIDA , the flow of traffic on the existing bridges on river Yamuna has increased many fold. To ease out traffic congestion on the bridges over river Yamuna we have prepared a new bridge project connecting Geeta Colony and Shantivan at a cost of about Rs. 118 crore. Construction work will start by September, 2004 with the target to complete this new bridge with in a period of three years.
21. Sir, Master Plan 2001 has a provision for construction of a road of 30 mtr. ROW over the existing disused canal so as to connect marginal bund pusta road with Karkari More at Vikas Marg to reduce the traffic congestion at Vikas Marg. The Government has decided to construct this major road costing about Rs. 87 crore. The project has also been cleared by DDA and MCD. The work will start by August, 2004.
22. Sir, the existing Wazirabad bridge faces traffic congestion through out the day and till late hours in the night. The Government has decided to construct a parallel bridge at Wazirabad and has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 1.15 crore to DTTDC for preparing the detailed project report and appointment of a project management consultant for construction of the bridge.
Energy
23. Mr. Speaker Sir, Power Sector in Delhi has seen monumental changes. Hon’ble Members of the August House are aware that during 1993-98 hardly any efforts were made to set up new power generation projects in Delhi. As a result our dependence on Central Power Stations and Northern Grid increased. We corrected the situation by setting up 330 MW capacity Pragati Power Plant.
24. Sir, as a result of our consistent efforts, the major project of 400 KV Ring, which was delayed for several years, could be completed. This has facilitated drawal of bulk power by TRANSCO from Northern Regional Grid.
25. Sir, Planning Commission, Govt. of India and other experts in the field have complimented the power sector reform carried out by our Govt. The reforms in the power sector have already shown results.
26. Sir, I am pleased to inform this August House that the overall power supply position in Delhi has been satisfactory. Delhi Transco Ltd. (DTL) has met a maximum demand of 3289 MW on 4th January, 2004. The requirement during peak summer months of July & August is expected to be of the order of 3600-3700 MW, whereas the availability from different sources so far worked out is of the order of 3860 MW.
WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION
27. Sir, the commissioning of Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant was targeted for December, 2003 but it has been delayed due to reasons beyond our control. I would like to inform the Hon’ble Members that the Government is pursuing completion of this project and now Tehri Hydro Development Corporation has assured us that it will make raw water available to Delhi by expediting the completion of the reservoir. Laying of conduit from Murad Nagar to Sonia Vihar is likely to be completed shortly.
28. Sir, Govt. of Delhi and Govt. of Haryana had signed an MoU for construction of Pucca channel from Munak to Haiderpur in 1994. However, work could not be started on this project till 2002. Hon’ble Chief Minister took up the matter with
Chief Minister, Haryana and this project is likely to be completed by May, 2006 at a cost of Rs. 315 crore. Delhi will get 80 MGD additional water by saving from seepage and leakage with the present Kachcha channel system. This raw water will be processed at new Water Treatment Plants at Dwarka and Okhla to solve water scarcity in South and South-West Delhi.
29. Sir, water conservation and recycling of treated waste water are possible solutions to meet part of the growing water requirements. As such, a number of programmes and measures are being taken in this direction. “Save Water Campaign” is being given more thrust and publicity. Rain water harvesting is another important programme to improve water conservation in Delhi. Financial assistance and technical know-how is being provided to RWAs/Voluntary Agencies/Institutions/Organizations to promote and undertake rain water harvesting.
30. Sir, Leak Detection Programme is a priority for DJB. Arrangements for early detection and immediate repair of leakages are being made by Delhi Jal Board to prevent water loss due to leakages. DJB has replaced 1044 KM water pipelines since the year 2000.
31. Sir, some of the studies conducted for Water Supply Sector in Delhi have pointed out that per capita water supply in Delhi is higher than all other metropolitan cities in the country.
However, per capita water supply in different parts of the city is not uniform. The Government has decided to tackle this anomaly effectively by undertaking a number of measures. These include construction of adequate number of under-ground reservoirs and booster pumping stations in different parts of the city, water supply timings, prevention of misuse and theft of water from the distribution network, etc.
32. Out of 567 unauthorised colonies regularized in 1977 by the Government, DJB has already provided sewerage system in 482 colonies till March, 2004. In the current year, DJB is planning to provide sewerage system in 18 more regularized-unauthorized colonies. Out of 135 urbanised villages in Delhi, sewer system has already been provided in 98 villages till March, 2004. In the current year, this number will be raised to 100 urbanised villages. A programme to check the over-flow from sewers to storm water drains will be taken up to prevent pollution in River Yamuna. The functioning of Sewage Treatment Plants will be improved with installation of new machinery and equipment .
33. The rehabilitation of trunk sewers was a major problem being faced by DJB. It pleases me to inform you that DJB has started the work of desilting and rehabilitation of trunk sewer lines in Delhi with the application of latest technology available for the purpose and 22 km of trunk sewer lines have been rehabilitated. The sewage treatment capacity is
proposed to be increased with the commissioning of two more new Sewage Treatment Plants at Kondli and Yamuna Vihar. Each of these Plants will be of 45 MGD capacity.
WELFARE PROGRAMMES
34. Mr. Speaker Sir, the Government is committed towards betterment of vulnerable sections and to bring in harmonized balance in development by providing direct support. The old age pension scheme is now a very popular scheme. The Government has managed to get rid of all the procedural bottlenecks which had invited criticism from many quarters. During 2003-04, we were able to assist around 1.25 lakh senior citizens by giving them a monthly pension of Rs. 300. We have decided to increase the number of beneficiaries from 1.25 lakh to 1.50 lakh.
35. Sir, the Government, being conscious of the special problems associated with the advanced age, has decided to increase the pension amount for senior citizens in the age group of 70 years and above from Rs. 300/- to Rs. 400/- per month. A quick estimate indicates that at present more than 50,000 beneficiaries would fall in that category and be eligible for enhanced pension. I am certain that all members cutting across Party lines would welcome this gesture. I propose a sum of Rs. 55.00 crore for this scheme; an increase of around Rs. 15.00 crore over last year.
36. Government has fulfilled all the promises made in the last budget towards enhancement of financial benefit to women under the schemes of 'Financial assistance to widows', 'Financial assistance to lactating/nursing mothers belonging to weaker sections, 'Financial assistance to poor widows' for performing marriage of their daughter' & 'Financial assistance on birth of girl child to economically weaker SC/ST/OBC/ Minorities parents'. I request Hon’ble members to identify deserving beneficiaries in their respective constituencies. I propose an outlay of Rs.8.25 crore for these schemes in 2004-05.
37. We announced a scheme of concessional DTC all route passes for senior citizens. I am happy to inform that at present around 1,22,099 senior citizens are availing the facility. I propose an outlay of Rs. 3.00 crore as against last year’s outlay of Rs.1.50 crore under this head.
38. There has been a persistent demand for more homes for senior citizens. Our Govt. has gone ahead with the construction of an Integrated Complex for senior citizens at Tilak Vihar in west Delhi at a cost of Rs. 5.00 crore. I propose an outlay of Rs.2.80 crore for completing construction of the complex.
39. Hon’ble Members may recall that my predecessor had last year announced allotment of land at Rohini and Dwarka by DDA for two more old age Homes. We have released payments to DDA for handing over the sites. Three more sites, namely Lampur, Alipur and Shakurbasti have been
identified for construction of old age Homes. An outlay of Rs. 2.20 crore is proposed for these works.
40. Janshree Bima Yojna, introduced last year, is expected to take its roots this year. There were some issues to be sorted out before operationalising the scheme. These involved coordination between LIC and Deptt. of Social Welfare, DSCFDC, Govt. of Delhi. We have been able to cover 13206 persons under this scheme. I am hopeful that the scheme will attract and benefit the targeted BPL group in a big way this year.
41. There is pressing demand for more working women’s Hostels. We have made payments for 5 new sites at Dheerpur, Rani Bagh and Tughlakabad, Basant gaon and Najafgarh Road for construction of working women hostel.
42. One of the successful programmes under Bhagidari is Stree Shakti Camps to create awareness and necessary self-help attitude among the women. Last year 50 Stree Shakti camps were organized and 42,199 women beneficiaries availed the services of health check up, literacy, skill development training programmes, legal awareness. We have set up 4 Stree Kosh Centres at Shahbad Daulatpur, Kalyanpuri, Najafgarh & Dakshinpuri. Around ten thousand women have benefited through these centers. Looking to the benefit of Stree Shakti Camps, our government have decided to set up
a Stree Kosh Centre in each district. We are confident that these measures will go a long way for the decentralized empowerment of women that our government has taken up in right earnest in the recent past.
43. Members are aware that our welfare umbrella is covering all segments of the society. Some of these schemes I have already highlighted. However, a need has been felt to provide some assistance to destitute women to take care of the immediate hardships faced by them. It is our experience that women who are deserted often go through mental trauma, physical tortures, deprivation and hunger and need help and care at such times. Our government have decided to offer interim financial relief to destitute women to help tide over the crisis period. The Delhi Commission for Women would work out the criteria for identification of such destitute women and procedure for distribution of financial assistance to them. I propose to give a monthly relief of Rs. 350 p.m. for a destitute woman for a maximum period of six months. In the current year 100 such cases are proposed to be covered through the Social Welfare Department.
44. Sir, I am happy to announce that the scope of the work under the scheme of improvement of SC Bastis has been expanded and more items of works have been included.
As a result, the living conditions of the inhabitants have improved in these areas. I propose an outlay of Rs.22.00 crore for this scheme in the current year.
45. Books & stationery worth Rs.4.80 crore were provided to 74000 SC/ST/OBC/Minorities students through Dte. of Education last year. We would ensure that almost all eligible students under these categories get free books & stationery under this scheme.
46. Our Government has been implementing Delhi State Freedom Fighters Samman Pension scheme for Delhi based freedom fighters for sometime. We are also providing some other benefits to them like free medical assistance and reimbursement of medical treatment taken at designated private hospitals/nursing homes and also free DTC bus facility for travel. We have now decided to increase the monthly Samman pension and with effect from 1st August 2004, I propose to increase the amount of monthly Samman pension from existing Rs. 2251/- to Rs. 3500/- to Delhi based freedom fighters. I hope Hon’ble Members would join me in paying our regards to these freedom fighters through this increase of Samman pension.
AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT
47. Rapid urbanisation has depleted rural areas in Delhi. The Government is committed to integrated development in the existing rural areas through a variety of schemes. There has been a demand for setting up farmers market to benefit them by directly selling their produce to the buyers. One such market is coming up at Andheria More. I am happy to inform that we have already acquired 19 bighas of land for this purpose. For the rural and agricultural sector, I am proposing an outlay of Rs. 124.13 crore in the current year.
Education
48. Till 1998, the performance of Government school students in CBSE exams was very poor. Due to persistent efforts through extra coaching classes, preparation of question banks, monitoring of pre-board exams, supervision of schools, awards for the best school, principal, teacher and student, cash incentives for girl students of weaker sections, the result of secondary examination has improved from 32% in 1998 to 51% in 2003-04. Similarly the results of Senior Secondary Examination have improved from 63% in 1998 to 78% in 2003 – 04.
49. Mr. Speaker Sir, the Government has paid full attention to qualitative improvement in education. During the last 5 years, Delhi Government has started 54 new schools, upgraded 84 schools and bifurcated 15 over crowded schools. Eleven new Pratibha Vidyalayas were opened for talented students. Today 14 Pratibha Vidyalayas are functioning in Delhi. During the last 5 years, 11 Pucca School Buildings and 2166 SPS Class Rooms have been constructed. Principals of Government Schools have been empowered to incur expenditure for uniform subsidy and other scholarship schemes and upto Rs.1.20 lakh in a year for repair/ maintenance /petty works in schools buildings.
50. Hon’ble Members will agree that spread of education is not an exclusive domain of the Government. Various voluntary agencies have set up educational institutions, which have done a pioneering service in spread of education as well as in nation-building. Recognising the contribution made by the different educational institutions in the spread of education, Government has decided to give a citation along with a token amount of cash prize. We have, therefore, decided to institute following categories of prizes for the educational institutions engaged in school level education. The schools (Government, Government-aided and private) which are more than 100 years old, will be given a one-time grant of one lakh rupees and a citation. Schools with 75 years of existence, will be given an amount of Rs.75,000 with a citation.
Similarly, schools which have completed 50 years of existence will be given a sum of Rs.50,000 and a citation. It is our belief that such recognition will imbibe a spirit of fellowship and a sense of pride in those institutions.
51. Sir, I am happy to inform this august House that allocation for Education sector is proposed to be increased from Rs.282.53 crore in 2003-04 to Rs.405 crore in the current year. Priority is being given to construction of school buildings. An outlay of Rs.95 crore is proposed for 8 new school buildings and 768 porta cabins.
52. The outlay for Primary Schools of MCD is proposed to be hiked from Rs.91.90 crore in 2003-04 to Rs.135 crore in the current year. I hope this major hike in plan outlay for primary education will enable MCD to improve the quality of infrastructure and teaching facilities in its primary schools. An amount of Rs.16 crore has been earmarked for the construction of Porta Cabins to replace tented accommodation. MCD will open 30 new primary schools and construct 1200 new Class Rooms in 2004 – 05.
53. At present, Computer Education as a subject at +2 stage is being taught in 436 schools. Keeping in view its importance, the Government proposes to introduce it in all schools of Delhi Government. I propose to increase the allocation for
computer education from Rs.13 crore in 2003-04 to Rs.35 crore in the current year.
54. Guru Gobind Singh I.P. University has affiliated 63 institutions and created teaching facilities for 9300 students. Construction work of its campuses in Pappan Kalan (West Delhi) and Surajmal Vihar (East Delhi) will be started in the current year for which an amount of Rs.32 crore is proposed.
55. Sir, I propose to increase the outlay for Technical Education from Rs.36.62 crore in 2003-04 to Rs.53 crore in current year. For new Engineering College at Geeta Colony in Trans Yamuna, the site plan has been approved and detailed drawings/estimates are being prepared. For ITI Sabzi Mandi, DMRC is constructing a building at Dheerpur which will be completed by March, 2005. Construction work of Polytechnic buildings at Jaffarpur and Dwarka will be started in the current year.
Health
56. Sir, I am happy to inform this august House that the health sector has recorded excellent progress during the last 5 years. The Government has added 1735 new beds in Government Hospitals as compared to 542 beds added during 1993-98. 1061 new beds will be added in the government hospitals during 2004 –05. OPD services have
started in 216 bedded Paediatric Super Specialty Hospital at Geeta Colony, 200 bedded Hospital at Shastri Park, 650 bedded Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital at Tahirpur
and 200 bedded Hospital at Pitampura. Indoor services will be started in these hospitals during 2004 – 05.
57. OPD and indoor services started in 200 bedded Satyavadi Raja Harish Chander Hospital at Narela will be made fully functional during this year. 100 bedded Colony Hospital at Moti Nagar and 50 bedded Colony Hospital at Patel Nagar will also be commissioned during 2004-05. Construction work of 140 bedded Trauma Centre at DDU Hospital has been completed and will be made functional this year. Construction work of Arrythmia Centre at GB Pant Hospital and Ward block, Casualty Block and Orthopaedic Block at LN Hospital is in full swing and these projects will be completed during 2004-05.
58. Construction work of Oncology Block in GTB Hospital at Shahdara is nearing completion. OPD services have already been started and Linear Accelerator will be commissioned shortly to provide state of the art facilities for diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
59. Construction work of 300 bedded Super Specialty Hospital at Janakpuri at a cost of Rs.70.26 crore is in full swing. The hospital building is targeted to be completed by December, 2005. Construction work of 150 bedded Maternity and Child Block at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital is in progress and is likely to be completed by August, 2005. The Institute of Liver &
Biliary Sciences at Vasant Kunj is being set up by Government of Delhi at an estimated cost of Rs.123 crore. An outlay of Rs.22 crore is proposed for this Institute in 2004 – 05.
60. Construction work of 500 bedded Multi-Specialty Hospital at Dwarka, 64 bedded Maternity Hospital at Nasirpur, 100 bedded Hospital at Burari and 500 bedded Ward Block in GTB Hospital will start during 2004–05. Institute of ISM and Multi Therapy Centre at Khera Dabur will be the first institute of its type. Hospital attached to this College will provide treatment through Ayurvedic, Punchkarma and Naturopathy systems.
61. The Government has opened 79 Dispensaries (40 Allopathic, 13 Ayurvedic, 18 Homeopathic and 8 Unani) during 1999-2004 as compared to 33 dispensaries during 1993-98. 35 new dispensaries (11 Allopathic, 15 Ayurvedic, 5 Unani and 4 Homeopathic) are proposed during 2004 – 05.
62. Sir, I am happy to inform that Delhi is the First State in the country to introduce Typhoid Vaccine alongwith MMR and Hepatitis ‘B’ in its immunisation programme.
63. Mr. Speaker Sir, keeping in view the number of plan schemes, I propose to increase the allocation for Health care and infrastructure from Rs.421.80 crore in 2003 – 04 to Rs.537.75 crore in 2004 – 05,an increase of 27% .
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
64. Sir, Hon’ble Members are well aware of the fact that Delhi Development Authority has not been able to develop the land acquired for city’s expansion in time which has resulted in encroachments on acquired land. The unplanned growth is creating a number of hurdles in the city’s development. We have provided essential services in these unauthorized colonies as is evident from the fact that an amount of Rs. 379 crore has been released to MCD, DSIDC and DJB during the last 5 years.
65. Sir, Trans-Yamuna Area remained neglected in the process of development for a long time. With the active role of Trans- Yamuna Area Development Board, during the last five years, the infrastructure facilities and delivery systems in health-care, education, culture, water supply, sewerage, sanitation
etc., are today much better in Trans-Yamuna Area than in 1998, when we took over. A totally modern Socio-Cultural Centre has come up at Laxmi Nagar and will be made functional to provide social impetus to the area very shortly. Another such Socio-Cultural Centre is being taken up at Shahdara on BOT basis.
66. Sir, under the Plan scheme of beautification of entry points, the Government took up the first major project for construction of a memorial to Shri Guru Teg Bahadur at
Singhu Border at an estimated cost of more than Rs. 6 crore. An amount of Rs. 2 crore has already been released for the project during 2003-04 to the DTTDC.
ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
67. Sir, a number of programmes/ activities have been initiated by the Government to improve environment in the city. The result of these environmental improvement programmes is evident from the fact that despite the phenomenal growth in vehicular population of the city, the level of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) declined by 5% in the year 2003 compared to the year 2002. The level of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) fell by 21% and 22% respectively in the year 2003 as compared to the year 2002. The level of Sulphur di oxide (SO2) has also fallen by 16% in 2003 as compared to 2002 in Delhi.
68. Sir, all of us in Delhi and also almost all visitors to the city admit that ambient air quality has improved in Delhi. The Government has invested more than Rs. 650 crore on various environmental improvement programmes in the city during the last five years. These programmes include purchase of new CNG buses for DTC, interest subsidy for purchase of CNG taxis and autorikshaws, construction of Common Effluent Treatment Plants, environmental education campaigns, plantation of trees etc. We feel that through
such sustained efforts we would be able to further improve the ambient air quality in Delhi.
69. Sir, ‘Save Yamuna’ is our priority project. A number of projects and programmes have been prepared for preventing pollution in River Yamuna under Yamuna Action Plan, Phase-II. These projects involve a cost of Rs.387.17 crore. JBIC has agreed to fund 85% of the cost through Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India. 15% of the cost will be financed from our own resources.
TOURISM AND CULTURE
70. Sir, alongwith the commitment of the Government to make Delhi a clean, green and beautiful capital city at par with other capital cities of the world, we propose to make Delhi a tourism destination both for national and international tourists. In this direction, we are in the process of finalizing a
Tourism Policy for Delhi which will aim at conservation of city’s rich cultural heritage and stimulate employment generation.
71. Tourism Deptt. has taken up the programme for restoration of denotified monuments under which 30 monuments have already been restored and work on four monuments is likely to be completed during the current financial year.
72. The development of the first phase of Garden of Five Senses at Said-ul-Azaib by DTTDC has provided a new tourism spot to Delhites. DTTDC is already working on beautification of various existing lakes in addition to organising cultural festivals throughout the year to promote tourism.
73. The first phase of new campus of Delhi Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology has reached the completion stage and the Institute will start functioning from this new campus shortly. The construction of the second phase of the Institute is proposed to be taken up now in consultation with DTTDC.
INDUSTRIES
74. Mr. Speaker Sir, last year my predecessor had announced a new scheme for self-employment by providing technical and financial help to educated unemployed youth for setting up
their own enterprises. Under this scheme, projects up to Rs. 1 lakh in case of individuals and Rs.5 lakh in parternership would be covered, provided the share of each person in the project cost is Rs.1 lakh or less. Entrepreneurs will be required to contribute 10 percent of the project cost as margin money in cash and Govt. would provide composite loan to the extent of 90% of the project cost. Govt. would provide subsidy at the rate of 15 percent of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs.7500 per entrepreneur. Sir, the Government has also decided to implement Rajiv Gandhi Swavlamban Rojgar Yojna. Under this scheme, loan assistance up to Rs.2 lakh would be given to unemployed young graduates, both men and women. These schemes will be implemented through Delhi Khadi Village & Industries Board (DKVIB). I propose to make a provision of Rs.175 lakh for these schemes in 2004 – 05.
75. Hon’ble members are aware of the court directives to relocate industries from residential/non-conforming areas of Delhi. Allotment of 18355 plots/flats has already been made at Bawana and other industrial areas to such units. DDA has been requested to provide additional 2700 acres of land to accommodate remaining industries. Notification for acquisition of 420.80 acres of land has already been issued.
76. With a view to establish and promote Industry-University-R&D linkages, a “Bio- Technology Park” is being set up in collaboration with Delhi University which will promote Research & Development in the field of high tech and non-polluting industries in Delhi. This project will be completed in the current financial year.
77. An Information Technology Park is being set up by DMRC at Shastri Park at a cost of about Rs. 174 crore. The Government is making available interest free loan of Rs.20 crore to DMRC for this project. Rs. 10 crore out of Rs. 20 crore has already been provided in 2003-04.
78. With a view to contain water pollution in the industrial estates, 15 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) are being established. 10 CETPs have already been completed and four made operational at Mayapuri, Mangolpuri, Wazirpur and Jhilmil. The work on 2 CETPs at Narayana and Najafgarh Road is in progress. The work on the remaining CETPs is likely to be started soon.
JUSTICE
79. Sir, with the increase in population of Delhi, there is need to expand the judicial infrastructure including Court buildings so as to provide easy and quick justice to the litigants. In this direction, Government has decided to set up new District
Court Complexes at Rohini, Dwarka and Saket. The construction of District Court Complex at Rohini has reached the completion stage and 60 courts will start functioning in this complex during this financial year.
80. The work on District Court Complex at Dwarka has already started and the work on District Court, Saket is likely to start in the current year. Efforts are being made to get a suitable site allocated from L&DO at Rouse Avenue to set up another District Court Complex.
81. The expansion of Delhi High Court with the construction of new Judicial Chambers as well as Lawyers Chambers is also near completion. Funds have been provided for computerization of Delhi High Court. Sufficient funds have also been provided for computerization of District Courts at Shahdara, Tis Hazari and Patiala House.
82. A Judicial Academy is being set up at Dwaraka at an estimated cost of Rs. 10 crore to provide training and refresher courses to Judicial Officers.
83. I will now turn to tax proposals, which are in Part-B of the Budget Speech.
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