The latest edition of the Kejriwal Government’s Statistical Handbook-2023 has revealed a remarkable surge in Delhi’s per capita income, highlighting the city’s economic progress. The per capita income in Delhi has escalated from Rs 3,89,529 to Rs 4,44,768 in the current financial year, marking an increase of over 14%. This remarkable growth signifies a per capita income that is 158% higher than the national average.
Economic Performance and Public Services
Delhi’s economic landscape has seen substantial improvements under the current government. The city’s transportation sector, a key focus of the government, witnessed significant enhancements. An average of 41 lakh passengers reportedly utilized bus services daily in 2023. The city’s commitment to environmentally friendly transportation is evident with its fleet of 7,200 buses, including 1,300 electric buses.
The government’s infrastructural advancements extend to utilities as well. There has been an increase of nearly 2.8 lakh electricity consumers and more than 1 lakh new water connections in 2022-23. The Kejriwal government’s free electricity scheme generated over 3.41 crore zero-amount electricity bills, providing financial relief to many residents.
In the employment sector, Delhi now boasts the highest minimum wages in India, setting the standard for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers. These wages are revised biannually, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving living standards.
Fiscal Health and Sector Contributions
The city’s fiscal health has shown significant improvement, with its revenue more than doubling in 2021-22 compared to the previous fiscal year. The city has maintained a consistent revenue surplus, increasing to Rs 3,270 crore during 2021-22 from Rs 1,450 crore in 2020-21. Trade, hotels, and restaurants have been major contributors to Delhi’s GDP. The Gross State Value Added (GSVA) from these sectors amounted to nearly Rs 1,17,417 crore in 2022-23, accounting for 12.81% of Delhi’s GSVA.
Challenges and Missed Targets
Despite these successes, the government faced some challenges in meeting its set targets. The installation of CCTV cameras fell short of the intended goal, with only 2.06 lakh cameras installed against a target of 2.80 lakh. Additionally, the operationalization of mohalla clinics did not meet the expected number, with 518 clinics becoming functional against the target of 1,000.
Looking Ahead
The Economic Survey 2022-23 reveals a positive outlook for Delhi’s economy, with a strong recovery in the services sector, consumption, and investment. This recovery is partly attributed to the successful vaccination drive in the city. The survey indicates that the overall economic activity in Delhi has recovered faster compared to the national level, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
In conclusion, the Kejriwal Government’s Statistical Handbook-2023 not only underscores the increase in Delhi’s per capita income but also highlights significant improvements in public services, infrastructure, and fiscal management. These developments mark a year of robust growth and substantial progress for the capital city.