2009-10 Budget a 'thanks-giving' Budget: Sheila Dikshit

Describing the Delhi Budget 2009-10 as a "thanks-giving" budget, chief minister Sheila Dikshit today justified the increase in tax on tobacco which was aimed to make the city smoke-free.

The chief minister said "housewives ke-free," she said after the presentation of the budget by finance minister AK Walia to the Assembly.

Dikshit, into her third stint as chief minister, said the government has expressed its gratitude to the people for expressing faith in it and hoped that it would fulfil expectations of each and every resident in the national capital.

She further said the budget would help in accelerating ongoing projects relating to Commonwealth Games and improve the quality of life.

"The government would continue to strive hard to provide due assistance to the destitute women, senior citizens and challenged persons," she said.