Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta kicked off pre-budget preparations with a series of focused meetings at the Delhi Secretariat on Thursday. Targeting the 2026-27 fiscal blueprint, she consulted workers, gig economy players, drivers, farmers, and village leaders to incorporate their visions into policy.
Each group had dedicated sessions to voice grievances and propose solutions. Gupta pledged to weave these insights into the budget, stressing that citizen involvement drives Delhi’s growth trajectory.
Attendees included key figures like Labor Minister Kapil Mishra and Rajkumar Chauhan, head of the Delhi Gram Vikas Board. Discussions revealed pressing needs: gig workers sought employee status, pension linkages, health coverage, and a dedicated task force for their issues.
Drivers highlighted the urgency of safe parking spots, EV charging expansions, and subsidies for female drivers. Broader demands encompassed rest facilities, increased public restrooms, sensible traffic adjustments, and alignment of labor regulations between center and state.
Farmers brought rural priorities to the fore—upgraded irrigation networks, better village roads, efficient mandis, and reliable basics like water supply, power, sanitation, and drainage. This bottom-up strategy signals a shift towards responsive budgeting.
By prioritizing these voices, the Delhi government is positioning itself to deliver a budget that not only meets immediate challenges but fosters long-term prosperity for laborers and agriculturists alike.