Delhi Budget 2026: ₹19,148 Crore for Education, Ashish Sood Calls It People-Centric Green Budget
New Delhi: Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Tuesday described the 2026–27 Budget presented by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as a “people-centric Green Budget,” highlighting its strong focus on education and inclusive development.
Sood emphasised that the total budget has steadily increased over the years, from ₹76,000 crore in 2024–25 to ₹1,03,700 crore in 2026–27. He said the budget reflects the government’s commitment to implementing the Viksit Delhi vision while balancing economic and social priorities.
He added that capital expenditure has also seen a significant rise, reaching ₹30,800 crore in 2026–27, indicating a focus on long-term infrastructure development.
The education sector has received ₹19,148 crore, accounting for 18.64% of the total budget — the highest share. Sood said this underlines the government’s priority to strengthen the education system.
Key initiatives include a ₹90 crore free bicycle scheme for 1.30 lakh Class 9 girls aimed at improving access to education. The government also plans to set up medical rooms in all schools, organise student exposure visits, and allocate ₹10 crore for integrating Artificial Intelligence into education.
Additionally, ₹200 crore has been earmarked for new school buildings and ₹275 crore for expanding existing infrastructure. Sports development will receive ₹50 crore for hostels and facilities.
Sood stated that economic indicators such as GDP growth and per capita income are meaningful only when benefits reach citizens. He noted that Delhi’s GDP growth rose to 8.53% in 2025–26, surpassing the national average.
The increased allocation and focus on innovation signal a shift towards building a skilled workforce. Investments in technical education, backed by ₹700 crore, aim to transform youth into job creators.
The Delhi Budget 2026–27 positions education at the centre of development, combining infrastructure, technology, and welfare initiatives to drive long-term growth.
Our Final Thoughts
Delhi’s education-focused budget reflects a clear strategy to invest in human capital while strengthening infrastructure. The inclusion of AI, skill development, and targeted schemes for girls indicates a forward-looking approach. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on execution and accessibility at the grassroots level. If implemented effectively, this budget could significantly enhance learning outcomes and employment opportunities, setting a benchmark for other states.