The Delhi government will allocate ₹400 crore to strengthen the capital’s startup and incubation ecosystem under its Delhi Start-Up and Incubation Policy 2026, Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood said on Sunday.

Sood said Delhi had not developed its startup ecosystem at the pace it could have, despite having major educational institutions, access to capital and a large pool of skilled young people. The proposed investment is aimed at strengthening incubation infrastructure, mentorship and financial support for entrepreneurs.

₹400 crore startup support plan

The proposed ₹400-crore allocation is intended to provide greater institutional support to startups operating in Delhi.

According to the government, the policy will focus on areas including incubation infrastructure, mentorship programmes and direct incentives for entrepreneurs. The objective is to create a more structured environment in which ideas emerging from colleges and other institutions can be developed into commercially viable businesses.

The announcement comes as governments across India increasingly seek to strengthen local startup ecosystems through funding, incubation facilities and links between educational institutions and industry.

Sood says Delhi fell behind

Sood acknowledged that Delhi had significant advantages but had not fully converted them into a strong and integrated startup ecosystem.

He pointed to Delhi's position as the national capital, its premier educational institutions and its large pool of young and educated people as factors that could have helped the city become a stronger startup hub.

The minister said the growth of India's startup ecosystem since 2014 had been rapid, while Delhi's development in this area had not kept pace with its potential. 

Focus on incubation and mentorship

A major component of the new policy is expected to be the expansion of incubation support.

Incubators can provide early-stage companies with workspace, technical assistance, mentoring, networking opportunities and access to investors. For student and first-time founders, such support can be particularly important in moving an idea from an academic or experimental stage towards a marketable product.

The Delhi government's planned support therefore goes beyond direct financial assistance and includes institutional infrastructure for entrepreneurs. 

Student entrepreneurship gets attention

The policy also comes against the backdrop of efforts to encourage entrepreneurship among students in Delhi.

Earlier this year, the government had announced a Campus to Market Startup Incubation Policy, with an allocation of ₹325 crore over five years and a stated target of supporting thousands of startups.

The latest ₹400-crore announcement indicates a broader push to establish Delhi as a more organised base for entrepreneurship, rather than relying primarily on individual startup initiatives.

Delhi's wider startup advantage

Delhi and the wider National Capital Region already form one of India's major startup clusters, benefiting from proximity to investors, corporate headquarters, government institutions and a large consumer market.

The NCR has developed significant activity across sectors including technology, fintech, e-commerce, logistics and education. However, the presence of a large startup market does not automatically mean that every part of the region has an equally developed support system.

The government's latest policy seeks to strengthen that institutional layer within Delhi itself.

India’s startup growth raises competition

The move also comes amid rapid expansion of India's overall startup ecosystem. Government-backed initiatives such as Startup India have helped establish a wider framework for entrepreneurship, while private investment and digital infrastructure have supported the growth of technology-led businesses.

Delhi is therefore competing with established startup centres and emerging innovation hubs across the country for founders, investors, talent and new businesses.

Sood's comments suggest that the Delhi government wants to use the capital's existing institutional advantages to close that gap.

Implementation will determine impact

The effectiveness of the ₹400-crore programme will ultimately depend on how the funds are distributed, which startups qualify for support and how effectively incubation and mentorship programmes are implemented.

For entrepreneurs, access to funding is only one part of building a successful company. Availability of experienced mentors, market access, skilled talent, infrastructure and a predictable regulatory environment can also influence whether early-stage businesses survive and scale.

The Delhi government's challenge will therefore be to convert the proposed financial commitment into a functioning support network that can produce measurable outcomes for startups and young entrepreneurs.

New Delhi: The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has directed all government and government-aided schools to inform eligible Class 12 Science students about a free one-year residential coaching programme for JEE and NEET aspirants. The initiative, offered in partnership with the Dakshana Foundation, aims to support students from economically weaker backgrounds by providing coaching, accommodation and meals at no cost.

According to the circular issued by the Directorate, schools have been instructed to actively spread awareness about the scholarship among students studying in Class 12 Science during the 2026–27 academic session. Along with the circular, schools have also received the Dakshana Foundation's communication to principals and the notification for the Joint Dakshana Selection Test (JDST) 2027, through which eligible candidates will be selected

Students selected under the programme will receive one year of fully residential coaching at the Dakshana Valley campus in Kadus village, Pune, Maharashtra. Besides classroom coaching for JEE and NEET, the scholarship also covers hostel accommodation and meals, ensuring that selected students do not have to bear any financial burden during the programme. 

Admission to the scholarship programme will not be based on direct application alone. Students will first have to appear for the JDST 2027, which is scheduled to be conducted in December 2026. Candidates who qualify will then go through multiple stages, including application screening, mock tests, document verification and interviews before the final list of scholars is prepared

The scholarship is open to Class 12 Science students studying in government, government-aided and eligible public schools. To qualify, applicants must generally have an annual family income below ₹3 lakh. However, this income limit will not apply to candidates belonging to the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category. Students must also meet the prescribed Class 10 marks criteria in Mathematics and Science, with separate cut-offs applicable for different reservation categories, including General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST and PwD candidates. Eligibility requirements also vary slightly depending on whether a student is preparing for engineering (JEE) or medical (NEET) entrance examinations.

The Directorate has highlighted that many deserving students miss out on such opportunities simply because they are unaware of them. By directing schools to actively publicise the programme, the government hopes that eligible students will receive timely information and be able to apply before the selection process begins. For many aspirants, the cost of coaching remains one of the biggest barriers to preparing for competitive entrance examinations, making scholarship-based initiatives particularly significant.

The Dakshana Foundation has stated that it has been providing free coaching to students from government schools for more than 19 years. According to the organisation, many of its scholars have secured admission to prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and government medical colleges. These achievements have been cited by the foundation in its communication to schools to encourage wider participation in the programme. 

As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates will first complete the Dakshana Scholar Application, appear for mock examinations and then take the online JDST at designated centres using the Dakshana Scholarship Test mobile application. Those clearing the examination will subsequently be invited for interviews and document verification before the final merit list is announced. The notification also includes details of the examination pattern and syllabus covering Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and Logical Reasoning, enabling students to prepare in advance.

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Delhi government to ensure medical treatment for protesters injured during the July 20 Parliament march from Jantar Mantar, while also ordering the Centre to preserve records related to weapons and ammunition used by the Rapid Action Force during the demonstration. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohan was hearing petitions concerning the alleged use of pellet guns against protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party's march. The court, however, declined for now to impose a blanket ban on pellet guns, observing that police may use such weapons in specific situations under the existing framework. The bench said it would be difficult to prohibit their use without a direct challenge to the police rules that permit such weapons. At the same time, the Supreme Court sought the Centre's response on guidelines governing the use of pellet guns and directed that records concerning RAF weapons and ammunition deployed during the Jantar Mantar protest be kept safe.

The petitions were filed by former IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad and alleged victims Prashant Kumar Singh and Sheikh Irshad Mansoori, who sought a ban on pellet guns. They claimed that the RAF used pellet guns against students during the July 20 march. The issue has remained controversial since the protest, with allegations surrounding the type and extent of force used by security personnel. According to the details presented, more than 100 people were injured during the clashes, including protesters and police personnel. The CJP had called for a march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, with the demonstration continuing from around 8 am until 5 pm and witnessing repeated confrontations between protesters and security forces. Some demonstrators allegedly broke barricades and moved towards Parliament through Parliament Street, Janpath, the War Memorial area, Kartavya Path and Vijay Chowk. Police and Rapid Action Force personnel resorted to crowd-control measures as the situation deteriorated, including lathi-charge and tear gas. Images of stone-pelting also emerged later in the evening, while protesters alleged that pellet guns had been fired at students. Police cleared Jantar Mantar by around 5 pm, but CJP supporters reportedly returned to the protest site around 11 pm and resumed their demonstration.

The case has also brought wider attention to the rules governing the use of pellet guns in India. Pellet guns are not completely prohibited in the country. According to the framework described in the petition-related material, law-enforcement agencies operate under guidelines and standard operating procedures for the use of such less-lethal weapons in crowd-control situations. The stated approach is that police should first use methods considered less likely to cause serious injury when dealing with a breakdown of law and order. Weapons such as pellet guns are meant to be considered only when other measures fail to bring a violent crowd under control, and their use should remain proportionate to the situation. Security personnel are also expected to take precautions to minimise injuries to civilians and fellow personnel. Thursday's Supreme Court directions do not amount to a finding that the RAF unlawfully used pellet guns during the July 20 protest. The allegations and circumstances surrounding their reported use remain before the court. By directing preservation of weapons and ammunition records and seeking the Centre's response on the guidelines, the bench has ensured that material connected with the security operation remains available while the matter is examined further.

The Supreme Court on Friday raised concerns over the Delhi government's recruitment policy, questioning how transgender candidates can apply for government jobs when vacancies are advertised only under male and female categories. The court directed the Delhi government to file a detailed affidavit explaining how such candidates are accommodated in the recruitment process.

A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran observed that merely introducing a third gender option in the online application portal is not sufficient if transgender applicants are still unable to compete for posts classified exclusively as male or female.

The court stressed that the recruitment process must ensure meaningful participation for transgender candidates rather than limiting inclusion to the application stage.

Court Seeks Clarity on Recruitment Process

During the hearing, the bench questioned the practical implementation of the policy, asking how transgender applicants would be considered for jobs when advertisements continue to divide vacancies into gender-specific categories.

The judges noted that while allowing candidates to identify as a third gender is a positive step, the larger issue is whether they remain eligible for recruitment once they submit their applications.

The Delhi government has now been asked to file a detailed affidavit addressing these concerns.

Third Gender Option Added to Application Portal

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that following the Supreme Court's earlier observations, the online recruitment portal now includes a third gender option.

He also told the bench that the petitioner has already submitted an application using the updated portal.

However, Mehta argued that any decision regarding reservation or separate recruitment provisions for transgender persons falls within the domain of the legislature and cannot be introduced through judicial directions alone.

'They Are Also Human Beings': Supreme Court

Counsel for the petitioner argued that several recruitment notifications issued by the Delhi government continue to classify vacancies strictly as "Male" or "Female."

The lawyer cited examples of teaching posts such as PGT Biology (Female) and PGT Chemistry (Male), where transgender candidates may find themselves excluded despite having the required qualifications.

Responding to the submissions, the bench made a strong observation:

"They are also human beings. Look at them with empathy."

The judges emphasized that recruitment policies should reflect dignity, fairness, and equal opportunity for every eligible applicant.

Concern Over Possible Exclusion

The Supreme Court further observed that even after successfully submitting an application under the third gender category, a transgender candidate could still be rejected if the advertised post is reserved exclusively for either male or female applicants.

The bench said this creates uncertainty and raises serious questions about equal access to public employment.

It therefore directed the Delhi government to clearly explain how transgender applicants are evaluated during the recruitment process and whether any mechanism exists to prevent discrimination.

Reservation a Policy Matter

During the proceedings, the Solicitor General maintained that while administrative changes such as adding a third gender option can be implemented, any policy on reservation for transgender persons requires legislative action.

The court did not issue any direction on reservation but confined the present hearing to the issue of participation and eligibility in recruitment.

In a move aimed at improving governance and strengthening ease of doing business, the Delhi government has reduced the processing time for 84 services offered through its single-window system and introduced instant delivery for select services. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision on Wednesday, describing it as part of the government's broader effort to make public services faster, more transparent and citizen-friendly.

The single-window system is an online platform that enables citizens, entrepreneurs and businesses to apply for multiple licences, approvals, permits and government clearances through a single digital interface. The latest reforms are expected to reduce administrative delays and simplify interactions between the public and various government departments.

Review Across 18 Departments

According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the decision follows a comprehensive review conducted by the Information Technology (IT) Department under the government's deregulation initiative.

The study assessed the time taken to process applications submitted through the single-window portal, beginning from the filing of an application to its final approval or disposal. Officials examined service delivery timelines across 95 services provided by 18 government departments.

Based on the findings, authorities identified opportunities to streamline procedures and eliminate unnecessary delays in processing applications.

Faster Service Delivery

Following the review, the government decided to reduce the processing time for 84 services available on the portal. In addition, several services that previously required manual processing will now be delivered instantly through the digital platform.

While the Chief Minister's Office confirmed the reduction in timelines, it did not specify the revised processing period for individual services.

Officials said the objective is to ensure quicker approvals without compromising transparency or administrative accountability.

Boost to Ease of Doing Business

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the reforms are intended to improve Delhi's business environment while making government services more efficient and accessible.

She said reducing processing timelines would help businesses obtain approvals more quickly, encouraging investment and improving the overall ease of doing business in the national capital.

The initiative is also expected to benefit citizens seeking routine government permissions by reducing waiting periods and simplifying administrative procedures.

According to the government, digital governance remains a key priority, with technology playing an increasingly important role in delivering public services efficiently.

Focus on Digital Governance

The single-window system has been developed to bring multiple government services under one online platform, allowing applicants to submit documents, track applications and receive approvals without visiting different government offices.

Officials believe that reducing processing time will improve transparency by limiting procedural bottlenecks and minimising the need for repeated physical interactions with departments.

The move also aligns with broader efforts to expand digital governance, reduce paperwork and improve service delivery standards across departments.

Part of Deregulation Drive

The review formed part of the Delhi government's ongoing deregulation exercise, which seeks to simplify compliance requirements, remove outdated procedures and make administrative processes more efficient.

Government officials said the study focused on identifying stages where applications experienced delays and recommended changes that could accelerate approvals without affecting regulatory oversight.

The reforms are expected to support entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses and individual applicants who rely on government clearances for commercial and personal purposes.

The Delhi government is preparing to convert former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road, Civil Lines, into a state guest house for visiting ministers, senior officials and government dignitaries. According to official sources, the proposal has reached its final stage and is awaiting approval from the competent authority.

If cleared, the bungalow—popularly dubbed the "Sheesh Mahal" by the BJP during a political controversy—will be repurposed to serve official government functions instead of remaining vacant.

Guest House for Ministers and Officials

Under the proposed plan, the former Chief Minister's residence will function like other state guest houses across the country, offering accommodation to visiting ministers, bureaucrats and other government guests.

Officials said the project will also include additional facilities such as dedicated parking spaces, waiting lounges and other supporting infrastructure. Guests staying at the facility will reportedly pay accommodation charges as prescribed by the government.

Bungalow Remains Vacant

The residence has remained unoccupied since Arvind Kejriwal vacated the premises after leaving office.

Despite being vacant, the property continues to be maintained by government staff. Around ten personnel are reportedly deployed for routine maintenance, ensuring that air conditioners, refrigerators, electrical systems and other installations remain functional.

Renovation Triggered Political Row

The bungalow became the centre of a major political controversy during Kejriwal's tenure after the BJP accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of spending lavishly on its renovation.

The opposition highlighted several luxury installations, including premium chandeliers, imported furnishings, smart LED lighting systems, expensive marble and granite, a spa room, massage chairs, a gym and a high-end jacuzzi, referring to the residence as the "Sheesh Mahal."

CAG Report Flagged Cost Escalation

The controversy intensified after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) released an audit report highlighting significant cost overruns.

According to the report, the renovation project was initially estimated at ₹7.91 crore, but the final expenditure reportedly increased to ₹33.66 crore, representing a cost escalation of nearly 342%.

The audit further noted that approximately ₹18.88 crore was spent on interior decoration, furnishings and decorative items.

CBI Investigation Still Underway

The renovation expenditure has remained under scrutiny since 2022, when then Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena directed the Vigilance Department to investigate allegations of financial irregularities.

The matter was subsequently handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following a complaint filed by then Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, who alleged irregularities in the renovation of the Chief Minister's residence.

The CBI investigation is ongoing, and no final findings have been announced.

Final Approval Awaited

While officials indicate that the proposal to convert the bungalow into a state guest house is close to receiving approval, the Delhi government has not yet issued a formal notification.

Once approved, the property is expected to be used for official government accommodation, marking a new chapter for one of Delhi's most politically debated residences.