Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Inaugurates ₹700 Crore Slum Development Scheme
On the occasion of India's 77th Republic Day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta marked a significant milestone by laying the foundation stone for comprehensive development works in the national capital's slum areas. The inauguration ceremony for the Jhuggi Basti Sampark Abhiyan Toli scheme was held at the Chief Minister's Public Service Centre, symbolizing a renewed commitment to urban welfare.
Historic Budget Allocation for Slum Dwellers
During the event, CM Rekha Gupta highlighted that this initiative represents the first time in Delhi's history that a substantial budget of ₹700 crore has been specifically earmarked for the improvement of slum communities. This unprecedented financial commitment aims to transform the living conditions of thousands of residents across the city's jhuggi bastis.
Addressing reporters, Gupta elaborated on the scheme's objectives: "It was for the first time that a budget of Rs 700 crore was provided for slum dwellers. We decided to provide for all the facilities such as parks, safety, roads, sanitation, and drinking water. The government took these works into its hands, and we inaugurated this."
Ensuring Peaceful Living and Quality Infrastructure
The Chief Minister reassured slum residents that they can now live without fear or uncertainty, countering previous apprehensions about potential disruptions to essential services. "The previous governments spread fear that the BJP would stop free electricity and water, but these slum dwellers can now live peacefully. We are committed to providing them a good and quality life," Gupta asserted.
The development plan under the Jhuggi Basti Sampark Abhiyan Toli scheme encompasses multiple critical areas:
- Construction and maintenance of parks and green spaces
- Enhanced safety measures and security infrastructure
- Improved road networks and connectivity
- Comprehensive sanitation systems
- Reliable drinking water supply facilities
Parallel Announcement on Electric Public Transport
Earlier, on the eve of Republic Day, CM Rekha Gupta made another significant announcement regarding Delhi's public transportation system. The Delhi government has committed to converting 100% of the city's public transport buses into an emission-free electric fleet within the next three years.
Addressing the gathering, Gupta revealed: "The Delhi government has doubled its capital expenditure. Rs 30 thousand crore will now be spent on capital expenditure in Delhi. To make Delhi better, we have decided that within three years, 100 per cent of Delhi's public transport buses will be converted into an emission-free electric fleet."
Infrastructure Development for Sustainable Mobility
The ambitious electric bus initiative includes comprehensive infrastructure development to support the transition:
- Procurement of 11,000 electric buses for Delhi's public transport system
- Rapid construction of new charging stations across the city
- Development of modern bus depots equipped to maintain electric vehicles
- Integration of sustainable energy solutions into public transportation
These dual announcements—the slum development scheme and the electric bus initiative—demonstrate the Delhi government's multi-pronged approach to urban development, combining social welfare with environmental sustainability. The Republic Day celebrations thus served as a platform for launching transformative projects that aim to improve both living standards and environmental quality in the national capital.
