LPG hike will lessen CWG burden: Shiela

Delhi Chief Minister on Monday said they had "no option" but to "slightly burden" the people to recover losses suffered in carrying out major infrastructure development projects for the Commonwealth Games 2010 in the capital.

Delhi government on Monday announced a hike in LPG cylinder prices by Rs.40.

"The subsidy was given for LPG when the inflation rate was very high. A lot have been spend on the infrastructure in the wake of the Commonwealth Games," she told reporters in New Delhi after the budget.

Delhi government has spent nearly Rs.15,000 crore on various Commonwealth Games related projects.

"There has been a lot of developmental work in the city and more to happen. A lot more money is needed and the government has no option but to slightly burden the people to incur the losses," she said.

"The standard of living has increased, so we think that the people will be able to afford the hike. I think the budget is a very development oriented and realistic. This year a lot of money has been spent on the infrastructure, from next year onwards we will concentrate more on the social sector," she added.

Dikshit said there has been no compromise in the education sector and even the health sector has not been touched.

"The prices of medicines and other necessary items have been kept intact. The prices of mobiles have been increased but this hike is directed to those who can afford it," she said.

There has been a widespread development - beautification, flyovers, street scaping, foot over bridges, roads, signages, public transport and health facilities - in the city for Commonwealth Games to be held from October 3-14.