NEW DELHI: Experts have shared their views on the Delhi budget, noting initiatives in health, environment, education, and gig worker welfare, while highlighting the importance of effective implementation and support for vulnerable groups.Education “While the budget makes a substantial allocation towards infrastructure and school expansion, its real impact will depend on how effectively these provisions are implemented on the ground. A major concern that remains unaddressed is the situation of students from economically weaker sections. Under the RTE Act, many of these students are supported only up to Class VIII, after which thousands are forced to drop out each year because they cannot afford to continue their education. There is a pressing need for the budget to include dedicated provisions to support these students through to Class XII, ensuring continuity in their education.” — Ashok Agarwal, Education Activist and Lawyer Environment “The budget is a mixed bag. Collaboration with World Bank, allocation of budget to Delhi Pollution Control Committee, induction of e-autos with grant of permit to women and transgender people are positive steps. However, a large sum of the budget is proposed to go towards water sprinklers, anti-smog guns and mechanised road sweeping, which may have visual appeal but will not help in reducing pollution at source.” — Sunil Dahiya, Founder and Lead Analyst, Think Tank Envirocatalysts Health “The first 1,000 days of life are the most critical window for shaping a child’s lifelong health, brain development and future productivity. This budget makes a clear statement that for the future health of the country, we must start at the beginning. By comprehensively detecting health problems at birth, we will be able to guide parents to avail the best treatment options at the earliest — before long-term damage sets in. It is really a case of a stitch in time.” — Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman, National IMA COVID Task Force Gig Workers “The idea, whether it is a welfare board or restrooms, sounds good on paper. But if we talk about Delhi, there are likely 4-5 lakh gig workers. Given the city’s scale and spread, where will these restrooms actually be located? Will there be a proper survey of gig workers, and how will the implementation happen? We can only judge once these details are revealed. For instance, if I am a gig worker and the nearest Atal Canteen is 2-3 km away, I would rather just rest on the roadside. As for the welfare board, it is a good idea, but its impact will depend on when and how it is actually set up.” — Manju Goel, Activist working for welfare of gig workers
