Delhi Minister Atishi Criticizes Central Government Over Tax Fund Allocation

Delhi Minister Atishi has accused the central government of not allocating any funds from the Rs 2.25 lakh crore collected as taxes from Delhi residents last year. Despite being a significant tax contributor, Delhi received no financial support for local development, she claimed.

Delhi Minister Atishi has raised a serious accusation against the central government, alleging that despite the people of Delhi paying Rs 2.25 lakh crore in taxes last year, no funds were allocated back to the Delhi government. 'People of Delhi gave Rs 2.25 lakh crore as taxes to the central government last year. Just see, how much money was given to the Delhi government by the central government from that money. It was zero. Nothing was given to the Delhi government,' Atishi stated while speaking to ANI on Friday.

Emphasizing the dual responsibility of taxpayers in Delhi, Atishi noted that they contribute to both state and central coffers. She highlighted that while Rs 35,000 crore was paid to the Delhi government and used for local development, there was no similar support from the central government. 'Delhi is one of the highest taxpayers for the central government,' she added.

Atishi urged for fair treatment in the upcoming central budget and criticized the lack of allocation to Delhi despite significant tax contributions. 'Last year, the central government had made allocations worth Rs 45 lakh crore in the budget,' she pointed out, stressing the central government's duty to support local development. Comparing the situation to historical injustices, Atishi argued, 'This injustice used to happen when the British used to rule India. They used to take all the money and give nothing in return. The same treatment is being done with Delhi.'

(With inputs from agencies.)