Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Approves Rs 327 Crore for Slum Development on Republic Day
In a significant move on her first Republic Day as Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta approved projects worth Rs 327 crore for the development of slum clusters across Delhi. The announcement was made during a special event at her official residence, where she celebrated the occasion by focusing on welfare initiatives for the underprivileged.
Lunch Meeting with BJP Representatives and Project Inauguration
The Chief Minister invited BJP representatives from various slums and jhuggi jhopri (JJ) clusters to her residence for a lunch gathering. During this meeting, she inaugurated several basic infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions in these areas. Officials confirmed that works amounting to Rs 44 crore have already been awarded, signaling the government's commitment to swift implementation.
The approved projects include:
- Public convenience complexes
- Cement concrete (CC) works in the lanes of JJ clusters
- Atal Canteens
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
In a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, Gupta emphasized that the Delhi Government is working with full commitment to enhance the living standards of citizens residing in JJ clusters. She shared lunch with the representatives, reinforcing her government's dedication to grassroots engagement.
High-Level Attendance and Political Statements
The programme witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) CEO Rupesh Thakur. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Gupta launched a sharp critique of the previous AAP-led government, accusing it of treating JJ residents merely as a vote bank and instilling fear in them.
"The present government considers the struggles of the people as its own and remains devoted to serving them day and night because the people in JJ clusters have played a significant role in Delhi's development," Gupta stated. She further claimed that former CM Arvind Kejriwal lived in lavish accommodations while neglecting the basic needs of slum dwellers, such as proper lighting, sewer lines, and water pipelines.
Comprehensive Development Plan and Budget Allocation
Gupta revealed that the BJP government has allocated a budget of Rs 700 crore for JJ development, with the newly approved Rs 327 crore being a part of this larger initiative. The funds are being directed towards fast-tracking work on essential amenities, housing, health, sanitation, and social welfare programs.
A comprehensive plan has been prepared to address key areas:
- Construction of drains and roads
- Development of toilets and parks
- Establishment of settlement development centres
The Chief Minister asserted that these projects are prioritized to free residents from inhumane living conditions and are being implemented at a rapid pace. "The government's objective is to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last mile," she added, highlighting her administration's focus on inclusive growth and equitable resource distribution.
This Republic Day initiative marks a pivotal step in the Delhi government's efforts to transform slum areas, with Gupta positioning her leadership as proactive and people-centric in contrast to previous administrations.
