Delhi Govt. to focus on transport, urban development and water-sanitation

New Delhi, June 22 (ANI): Delhi Government on Monday revealed through its budget that it would primarily focus its attention on transport sector, urban development and water and sanitation in the year ahead.

The highest share in the budget 2009-10 has been earmarked for transport sector which was given Rs 3,069 crore (about 31 per cent) followed by Urban Development with Rs 1,524 crore (15 per cent) and Water and Sanitation with Rs 1,366 crore (14 per cent).

The allocation for Commonwealth Games projects got a steep hike of Rs 1,016 crore to touch Rs 2,105 crore, out of which, Rs 1,000 crore will be paid by the Centre.

Education sector has been allocated Rs 1,032 crore, while the health sector has been allocated Rs 1,019 crore. Energy sector will get Rs 461 crore, which is a drop of about 55 per cent, and Social Welfare sector Rs 334 crore.

Luxury tax has been reduced in the wake of Commonwealth Games; it has been decreased from 10.5 per cent to 10 per cent.

To discourage people from smoking, Value Added Tax (VAT) on tobacco products has been raised from 12.5 per cent to 20 per cent in Delhi.

Sheila Dikshit government in its 2009-10 Budget focused on transport and Commonwealth Games projects and largely kept away from any increase in taxes.

Presenting the annual budget in the Assembly Delhi's Finance Mnister AK Walia, said "This is a thanks-giving Budget to Delhiites for electing us once again." (ANI)