Frontlist | Delhi Budget Session: GSDP Estimated to Contract 5.6%, Says Lt Governor Anil Baijal

on Mar 08, 2021

Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Monday said the economy of Delhi is estimated to have contracted by 5.6 per cent in the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in the current financial year due to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

“All economies have been dented by Covid-19 and so has the economy of Delhi. Gross State Domestic Product of Delhi in real terms at constant prices is estimated to have contracted by 5.68 per cent in 2020-21,” Baijal said while addressing the second session of the seventh legislative assembly of Delhi. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, BJP leader Ram Singh Bidhuri, among others were present during the LG’s customary address today.

The Lieutenant Governor also talked about the steps taken by the Delhi government in order to mitigate the impact of the contraction of the economy on people. “Yet, in order to ease the life of citizens of Delhi, my government continued with its commitment of electricity subsidy, 20,000 litres of free water to domestic household and confessional ride for students and free ride for women in DTC buses.”

He reiterated that though the Delhi’s economy has been impacted by Covid-19 in the current financial year, the government is taking all necessary measures to cushion the impact and bring the economy back to track. Among the various steps taken by the Delhi government, Baijal mentioned about the launch of a dedicated web portal ‘Rozgar Bazar’ to help job seekers to find employment and reduction of circle rate by 20 per cent till September 30 this year in order to “activate” the realty sector.

“Covid-19 has adversely affected every aspect of life of the citizens of Delhi. The pandemic created greatest threat to the human life and health ever witnessed in the 21st century. My government in collaboration with the Centre has garnered all resources to ensure preventive and curative actions to safeguard the life of citizens of Delhi,” he said and underlined the close coordination between the Delhi government and central government on fighting the Covid-19 situation.

The Lieutenant Government also outlined the measures taken by the Delhi government in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, such as providing food to the distressed, raising number of hospital beds, setting up of plasma bank and home isolation.

He also said that it was ensured that continuous and timely delivery of essential items and medicines were made to the people residing in containment zones.

From provision of 50 per cent enhanced free of cost ration to 71 lakh PDS beneficiaries during the month of April, free ration under NFS for the month of May and June, special food relief initiative, Mukhya Mantri Corona Sahayata Yojana that provided 5 kg dry ration to 54 lakh beneficiaries who needed it but were not covered under the PDS for the months of April and May, provision of an “essential item” kit and emergency relief coupons made available to all MLAs and MPs of Delhi for availing dry ration were some of the steps that were highlighted by the Lieutenant Governor during his address.