India, March 30 -- Delhi government's subsidy burden for key welfare schemes, including free electricity and free bus travel for women, has risen sharply in the current financial year, even as spending on major Information Technology (IT) initiatives saw significant cuts, according to revised estimates (RE) released by the finance department.

The revised figures show that the outlay for power subsidy has increased to around Rs.4,037.62 crore, up from the Budget Estimate (BE) of Rs.3,600 crore. The upward revision reflects additional financial requirements to clear pending dues and accommodate higher demand under the electricity subsidy scheme, driven by a rise in the number of beneficiaries, officials said.

Under the scheme, domestic co...