Datanomics: Delhi's revenue surplus intact, priorities seeing a shift

Delhi retains revenue surplus in FY27 Budget, but low capital outlay and shifting spending priorities raise questions on long-term growth

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented her second Budget on March 24, pegging the total outlay at ₹1.037 trillion. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government pitched it as a ‘Green Budget’, with 21.44 per cent of total spending allocated for environmental issues and pollution control. 

 

Delhi’s income edge over India is narrowing

 

After being ranked second among states in terms of per capita income from FY12 to FY17, it slipped to the third position in FY18, behind Sikkim and Goa, and has remained there since.  

 

Shift in spending priorities

 

Transport has quietly climbed Delhi’s priority ladder, though education and health are projected to recover ground in FY27. 

 

Capital spending yet to find its footing

 

Delhi’s capital outlay has remained below 1 per cent of its gross state domestic product (GSDP) over the past decade. It has been falling since FY20.  

 

Revenue surplus, fiscal deficit under control

 

Delhi has maintained a revenue surplus for over a decade and kept its fiscal deficit below the statutory ceiling of three per cent of GSDP.