Delhi digs into its pockets for Games

The Delhi government on Thursday revised its budget estimates for the year 2009-10.

The budget was enhanced by Rs 2,723 crore to Rs 25,760 crore.

The earlier estimated budget was Rs 23,043 crore.

Delhi Finance Minister A.K. Walia said the additional funds would help speed up Commonwealth Games 2010 related projects that had hit roadblocks because of fund shortage.

This will mean additional allocations for the public works department for its road projects, the Delhi Jal Board and the Delhi Transport Corporation that have been reeling under poor financial health and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit.

"All these departments needed funds and had placed their demands. There is a lot of work happening in the city," said Walia.

The finance minister said the PWD would get Rs 504 crore over the amount allocated earlier, while DJB will get another Rs 275 crore extra.

The DTC will get another 280 crore and the MCD will also get an additional amount of Rs 290 crore.

The government that had been demanding additional funds for funding Games projects said the cash flow was because of receipt of various dues.

"In March 2009, we had a small savings loan surplus of Rs 5775 crore. We spent Rs 3,250 crore this year — some will be left for next year — about Rs 2,513 crore. Plus we also got our allocation under small savings loan for this year for Rs 1156 crore," said Walia.

“We also got refunds for Central Sales Tax and VAT for Rs 1450 crore. This was accruing with the GOI since we implemented VAT.”

The plan outlay has been increased from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 11,300 crore in revised estimates for 2009-2010.

An increase of Rs 1408 crore in non-plan outlay and an increase of Rs 9 crore in centrally-sponsored projects was also approved.

Walia said that an amount Rs 800 crore was increased for roads and bridges, which includes construction of flyovers, bridges and widening and improvement of roads particularly relating to the Commonwealth Games.