Delhi: Petrol to cost less but CNG more

On one hand Sheila Dikshit announced the exemption of VAT (20%) on the component of recent hike in petrol to give relief to people but on the other side she levied 5% VAT on CNG. From VAT exemption on petrol the rates of the petrol in Delhi will come down by Rs 1.26 and it would incur financial burden of Rs 140 crore approximately whereas by levying 5% VAT on CNG the rates of the CNG would increase by Rs 1.80 and government would earn Rs 100 crore approximately.

The effect of recent defeat in MCD elections was visible in her budget speech. Presenting the full budget for the second time Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit announced several new schemes particularly for Minorities, OBCs and SCs. Despite, she said “We are on the cusp of momentous change. The year 2012-13 is the first year of the 12th five year plan (2012-2017) and during this period we look forward to Delhi emerging as a ‘Caring City’, a city in which the citizens proudly aspire to and secure a future for themselves and their children. Giving the economic scenario she said that rate of inflation based on price index for Industrial workers in Delhi is 7.83% which is less than any Metro. She said that tax collections have registered growth of 21.2 %.

Announcing new schemes she said that Delhi will soon be made Kerosene Free Delhi and for that government would give Rs 2000 to 1.75 lakh households who consume kerosene oil. This money is for obtaining LPG connection and gas stove. ‘Dilli Annashree Scheme’ would be launched under which two lakh vulnerable households would be provided food subsidy of Rs. 600 monthly as cash transfer to senior most female member of the houseold.

‘Dilli Swarozgar Yojna’ for SC/Minorities/OBCs to be launched to provide loan upto Rs. 5 lakh to an entrepreneur willing to set up venture in Delhi. Showing special concern for minorities she said “The government is committed to the equality of opportunity to all citizens and consequentially its responsibility to protect and assure the rights of minorities government is particularly concerned about the urgent need to enhance the level of education, health and employment potential of those communities amongst the minorities that have lagged behind on human development indicators, highlighted by various studies. We need to open 150 Anganwadi Centres, 15 new Gender Resource Centers for women in minority areas and improve the physical infrastructure and learning environment in all Urdu Medium Schools”.