As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) highlights its ten-year track record of providing significant subsidies to residents. Here’s a breakdown of the Rs 37,000 crore spent by the Delhi government on subsidies over the last decade, reflecting its policy priorities.
1. Free Power
- What it Covers:
- 100% subsidy for households consuming up to 200 units/month.
- 50% subsidy for those consuming up to 400 units/month.
- Key Figures:
- Beneficiaries: 22 lakh out of 40 lakh electricity consumers annually.
- Total Expenditure: Rs 25,000 crore from FY2014-15 to FY2024-25.
- Growth in Spending: From Rs 291.4 crore (FY2014-15) to Rs 3,600.5 crore (FY2024-25).
2. Free Water
- What it Covers:
- Households receive up to 20,000 litres of free water each month.
- Subsidy via the Delhi Jal Board.
- Key Figures:
- Beneficiaries: 16-17 lakh households annually.
- Total Expenditure: Rs 4,477 crore over 10 years.
- Peak Spending: Rs 600 crore in FY2020-21.
- Recent Spending: Rs 500 crore in FY2024-25.
3. Pink Passes for Free Bus Rides
- What it Covers:
- Free travel for women on Delhi buses, introduced during the 2020 Assembly elections.
- Key Figures:
- Total Expenditure: Rs 1,910 crore from FY2019-20 to FY2024-25.
- Spending Growth: From Rs 114.7 crore to Rs 440 crore annually.
- Peak Year: Rs 481.6 crore spent in FY2023-24.
Subsidy Spending Growth
- Starting Point (FY2014-15): Rs 554.7 crore.
- Current Year (FY2024-25): Rs 5,310 crore.
- Growth Factor: A nine-fold increase in subsidy spending over ten years.
Analysis and Election Significance
AAP’s subsidy policies have served as its cornerstone for electoral campaigns, appealing to middle-class and underprivileged voters. The model has balanced cost with impact, fostering loyalty among beneficiaries of free electricity, water, and transportation.
Impactful Governance or Election Strategy?
While critics argue this approach is an electoral gimmick, AAP defends it as impactful governance targeting essential services. The subsidies have undoubtedly contributed to significant voter confidence in Delhi, a testament to the model’s resonance with its citizens.
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