Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday lambasted the Centre for ignoring the National Capital in the General Budget for 2018-19. Expressing disappointment over the Budget, Kejriwal alleged that the Centre “continues” its “step-motherly” treatment to Delhi.
“I had expected some financial assistance to important infrastructure projects for the nation National Capital. Am disappointed that the Centre continues its step-motherly treatment to Delhi,” Kejriwal tweeted.
His deputy Manish Sisodia also expressed unhappiness over Delhi’s share in Central taxes and duties remaining unchanged, saying the BJP-led Centre treats Delhi residents as “second-grade citizens”.
Sisodia said no plans or schemes have been announced for Delhi Police while the AAP Government’s demand for special package for 2,000 electric buses to combat air pollution has also not been addressed.
He said land in Delhi comes under the Centre, but despite this, no plans have been announced for regularisation of unauthorised colonies and for giving more land to the Delhi Government to build clinics, schools, hospitals and bus depots.
Sisodia tweeted, “Disappointing #Budget2018. Not a single extra rupee increased in Delhi’s share in Central taxes since 2001-02, stays at Rs 325 cr. No other part of India gets such treatment (sic),” he said in a series of tweets. “Delhi police comes under Centre. Yet no plans or schemes announced to tackle crime and issues of women safety that have made Delhi the crime capital of India. Highly disappointing #Budget2018! (sic).”
According to the Government, Delhi’s share in central taxes has been kept at Rs 325 crore, static since 2001-02.