Delhi's Soaring Per Capita Income: A Glimpse into the Kejriwal Government's Success?

By: Damini Mehta

Delhi's per capita income has surged by over 150% over the national average in the fiscal year 2022-23. In 2023, a staggering 41 lakh commuters traveled daily on these buses, marking a return to pre-COVID levels and showcasing the success of the government's efforts in revitalizing public transport.

In a significant achievement, Delhi's per capita income has surged by over 150% over the national average in the fiscal year 2022-23 reflecting the commendable efforts of the Kejriwal government in the capital. The data sourced from the Statistical Handbook-2023, released by Delhi's Planning Minister, Atishi, sheds light on the remarkable growth, showcasing a rise from Rs 3,89,529 in 2021-22 to an impressive Rs 4,44,768. As against this the national average of per capita income is Rs 1,72,276.

This surge, amounting to a remarkable 14% year-on-year increase, symbolizes the commitment of the government towards the welfare of its people and a testament to the robust economic policies and developmental initiatives undertaken by the government. 

One of the key factors contributing to this economic upswing is the exemplary improvement in public transportation services. With over 7,200 buses operating under the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the cluster bus scheme, the government has not only enhanced accessibility but also embraced environmental sustainability by introducing 1,300 electric buses. In 2023, a staggering 41 lakh commuters traveled daily on these buses, marking a return to pre-COVID levels and showcasing the success of the government's efforts in revitalizing public transport.

The electric vehicle revolution is another feather in Delhi's cap, with the number of electric buses surpassing all other states in the country. This not only promotes eco-friendly transportation but also positions Delhi as a leader in the national shift towards sustainable mobility.

Delhi's power sector has also seen substantial growth, with nearly 2.8 lakh new electricity consumers added in 2023. This not only marks an increase in the consumer base of electricity but also the city’s increased capacity to provide uninterrupted power supply throughout the capital. The statistics reveal an impressive increase of 859 million units in electricity consumption in 2023, demonstrating the government's ability to meet the rising energy needs of its citizens. Interestingly, the Delhi government provides a 100% subsidy on electricity users with bills equal to or less than 200 units per month with more than 3.4 crore zero electricity bills generated in the fiscal year of 2022-23.

Furthermore, the addition of over one lakh new consumers to the piped water network and 100,000 new water connections in 2022-23 underscores the government's commitment to providing essential services to every corner of the city.

From the citizen’s perspective, the Kejriwal government's initiatives have left a lasting impact. Data shows that over 4 lakh senior citizens now benefit from monthly pensions, while 1.7 lakh girls are recipients of the Ladli scheme. 

The Statistical Handbook-2023 paints a compelling picture of Delhi's socio-economic development in the last few years. The increase in per capita income, improvements in public services, and strides in various sectors collectively showcase a city on the rise. The city continues to set new benchmarks, but developments like increasing crime rate, continuous influx of population and increasing pressure on social services call for a planned approach to development to ensure growth is environmentally sustainable in the long run.