Rekha Gupta’s Budget Powers Delhi Startups with ₹20 Crore Push!

Ahead of Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Delhi’s startup community and aspiring entrepreneurs have received a powerful boost to celebrate. In a landmark move to fuel entrepreneurship and business development, Delhi Chief Minister and Finance Minister Rekha Gupta presented the ₹1 lakh crore budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday. This ambitious budget lays the groundwork for a dynamic, innovation-driven future, with significant investments in startup support, business reforms, and education infrastructure.

Fueling Delhi’s Entrepreneurial Fire

A standout feature of the budget is the launch of the 'New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Vision' scheme, with an allocation of ₹20 crore. This initiative aims to instill a business mindset among students and aspiring entrepreneurs, transforming Delhi into a breeding ground for startups. To propel this vision forward, startup support centres will be established across Delhi, providing financial aid, mentorship, and access to resources for young innovators ready to build the next big thing.

CM Gupta highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “Delhi’s youth hold the potential to create groundbreaking businesses. Our government will ensure they have the support, guidance, and infrastructure to turn their ideas into thriving ventures.”

Revolutionising Education for Future Entrepreneurs

Recognising that a strong entrepreneurial spirit begins with a robust education foundation, the budget puts education at the forefront:

• ₹100 crore allocated for the establishment of new CM Shri Schools.
• ₹500 crore dedicated to creating an Education Hub in Narela, designed to foster innovation and skill development.
• ₹7.5 crore earmarked for distributing free laptops to 1,200 Class 10 students, nurturing future digital entrepreneurs.
• ₹21 crore for 100 new language labs, named after Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, offering courses in French, German, English, Spanish, and more — preparing young minds for global business landscapes.
• ₹50 crore for 175 new computer labs and smart classrooms to enhance digital learning infrastructure.

Additionally, the government has allocated ₹886 crore for technical education, empowering the next generation of industry leaders and innovators

• ₹230 crore for Delhi Silk Entrepreneur University, designed to merge traditional skills with modern business approaches.
• ₹57 crore for Netaji Subhas University of Technology.
• ₹42 crore for Delhi Technological University.
• ₹68 crore for Industrial Training Institutes.

Empowering Startups, Businesses, and Traders

To create a thriving business environment, CM Gupta announced pivotal reforms tailored to support startups and small businesses:

• Formation of a Trade Welfare Board to address traders' and entrepreneurs' concerns.
• Introduction of a new industrial and warehousing policy to simplify logistics and business operations.
• Launch of a single-window system to streamline business registration, licensing, and expansion processes — cutting red tape for startups.
• Development of modern industrial hubs with state-of-the-art infrastructure, encouraging local manufacturing and tech startups.

CM Gupta addressed the challenges faced by Delhi’s industrial and startup sectors, stating, “The previous government neglected this sector, forcing many businesses to relocate to NCR. We are determined to reverse this trend and make Delhi the epicenter of India’s entrepreneurial journey.”

Infrastructure Development for a Startup-Ready Capital

The budget allocates ₹1,000 crore under central government-funded projects to revamp Delhi’s infrastructure. From improved roads and public transport to upgraded urban facilities, these developments aim to create a seamless environment for startups to flourish.

Delhi’s Startup Future: Bold, Inclusive, and Innovative

With this budget, CM Rekha Gupta envisions Delhi as a thriving hub for education, entrepreneurship, and business innovation. By empowering startups, fostering inclusivity, and modernising infrastructure, the government is paving the way for a brighter, bolder, and more prosperous future — where young entrepreneurs lead the charge.

As Delhi gears up for Startup Mahakumbh 2025, the capital stands ready to embrace a new wave of entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers — with the government standing firmly behind them, fueling their dreams and ambitions.