New Delhi, March 9: The Delhi government has allocated Rs 50 crores in this year's budget to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to the people of the national capital.

"COVID-19 vaccines will be available free of cost for people of Delhi in government hospitals in the union territory. We have allotted Rs 50 crores in the budget for the same," said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia while presenting Delhi's first paperless budget on Monday in the Delhi Assembly. Delhi Budget 2021: Govt Presents Rs 69,000 Crore Budget, Rs 10 Crore Allocated for Programmes on Bhagat Singh's Life During 75-Week 'Deshbhakti' Events.

He also said that the number of COVID-19 vaccinations will soon be increased from 45,000 to 60,000 per day. Sisodia also announced that Delhi will have its first Sainik School alongside Delhi Armed Forces Preparatory Academy where students will be acquainted with the NDA coaching besides regular studies.

"Today I present this 'Deshbhakti Budget' in view of the Centre's celebrations of India's 75 years of independence. This budget will focus on India's 75 as well as 100 years of independence," said Sisodia while presenting the budget.

The budget session of the Delhi assembly is scheduled to continue till March 16.

The nationwide vaccination drive was rolled out in the country on January 16 and vaccination of the frontline workers started on February 2. The second phase of COVID-19 vaccination started on March 1 for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.