A new excise policy is in the works for Delhi

A new excise policy for the national capital is in the works, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta said on Wednesday, adding that the "biggest financial asset" for her government will be its ability to work in tandem with the Centre.

- Somya Lakhani and Alok KN Mishra

NEW DELHI: In an interview with HT, she discussed how her administration plans to fulfil its poll promises and the challenges it faces in addressing the city's infrastructural needs.

Edited excerpts:

What are some challenges you have faced in the 40 days since taking over as Delhi's chief minister?

It has been quite an adventurous experience. I was entrusted with a new responsibility and had the opportunity to work on the Delhi Budget 2025-26. The faith people have in me has become my strength, and the trust of our leadership motivates me to work harder. The main challenge has been tackling the circumstances left behind by the previous AAP-led government. People's expectations from us are high, but the situation we inherited is difficult. We need to both meet expectations and improve the circumstances.

The budget projects a higher growth rate for Delhi than last year. How will this be achieved? What will change within a year to hit these targets?

The coordination between the Centre and the state government is the biggest financial asset for any state. The previous government refused to work in sync with the Centre, derailing financial opportunities that could have been utilised. Funds were offered by the Centre, but the previous government was unwilling to utilise them—take, for instance, the Ayushman Yojana. The state could have received ₹1,500 crore, but they didn't take it. This is the difference. They didn't want to use the centrally sponsored schemes under which funds are given under different heads to the state government, such as the PM Awas Yojana, Ayushman Yojana.