AAP rakes up unspent budget issue ahead of Delhi assembly elections

NEW DELHI: In an effort to steer the agenda for the forthcoming Delhi assembly elections towards development and away from the hype around Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AAP has challenged BJP on the promises made by it in the Delhi budget. AAP has claimed that even though 55% of the planned outlay has remained unspent, BJP is trying to take credit for projects it has nothing to do with.

"In July, the Centre presented a budget for Delhi in Parliament with specific promises under various sectors. Despite that, more than half the funds allocated under planned expenditure have remained unspent. We received information that senior officials in the government are asking around which projects can be launched or inaugurated before the model code of conduct is implemented so that BJP is able to take credit for them," said a party spokesperson.

According to the documents presented by AAP, 60% of the development funds have remained unspent. "Major infrastructure projects have been stalled and more than half the funds for new hospitals and schools have not been used. The expenditure of planned outlay on food supplies, power and industries is only 6%, 8% and 13%, respectively," said Ashish Khetan, party functionary.

AAP sources say that of the many promises made by BJP, they have delivered nothing. "Under health, the party promised 1,400 additional beds, a new medical college at Rohini, a multi-specialty hospital in south Delhi, 50 new dialysis units, 110 new ambulances and a one-stop centre for rape survivors. There are no new beds and no multi specialty hospital in south Delhi. Around 60% of funds meant for public health remain unspent. Similarly, despite tall claims on the education front, no action has been taken. For instance, 42% funds for primary and secondary education remain unspent, 60% funds for higher education have not been utilized and 80% on technical education has not been used," said Khetan

"The track record is equally poor on the social sector where 94% funds for food and civil supplies have remained unspent. Of the Rs 748 crore planned expenditure on this sector, only 48% has been utilized. There has been no improvement in the transport system, nothing done to improve water services with 10 assembly constituencies not getting piped water till now and only 8% of Rs 675 crore spent on the energy sector," he added.

"BJP claims to be a party for development but that doesn't come across in its performance so far. Why is it shying away from taking about its work in Delhi and only banking upon the Modi wave to win these elections?" asked party sources.