Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Unveils Performance Report Card After BJP's First Year in Office
New Delhi: As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government completed one year in office on Friday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented a comprehensive report card detailing its performance. She described the past 365 days as a significant shift from "announcements to outcomes" and "posters to performance", marking a new era of governance in the national capital.
Report Card Highlights Development and Accountability
The report card, titled 'Pehla Kadam Badlav Ka, Ek Saal Vikas Ka', was unveiled by Chief Minister Gupta and her cabinet ministers at the secretariat. It outlined key initiatives across multiple spheres, including health, education, infrastructure, pollution control, and welfare programs. Gupta emphasized that this document reflects a commitment to tangible progress and public service.
In her address, Gupta stated, "Over the past 27 years, Delhi's infrastructure deteriorated and systems weakened, leaving the city stagnant and tired. With your decisive mandate, we set clear priorities from day one, fixed accountability, and launched mission-mode efforts to transform the capital." She highlighted that new facilities have been integrated into citizens' daily lives, with Delhi visibly changing under a clear development roadmap.
Contrast with Previous Administrations
Gupta took a direct dig at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, asserting that the era of "tweet-and-delay" politics has ended. She declared, "Delhi is no longer the capital of blame games, but the capital of accountability." The Chief Minister criticized earlier administrations for fostering politics of allegations, delays, and confrontation, which she claimed slowed administrative progress. In contrast, her government has adopted a timeline-based working model, placing accountability at the forefront of governance.
She added, "Under earlier governments, Delhi witnessed more noise and fewer solutions. By contrast, the present government has prioritized action over rhetoric, ensuring that projects move forward on strict timelines." Gupta expressed confidence that the direction of governance has fundamentally changed, promising comprehensive transformation in the coming years.
Infrastructure Overhaul and Welfare Initiatives
Gupta identified infrastructure expansion as a key focus area. Key projects include:
- Identification of 72 chronic waterlogging points for permanent solutions.
- Ongoing work on major drains along Rohtak Road, Najafgarh-Nangloi, and Kirari stretches.
- Planning of 40-foot foot overbridges and beautification at 47 key junctions.
In welfare, the government has prioritized antyodaya, or the uplift of the poorest, from its first cabinet meeting. Initiatives include:
- Expansion of Atal Canteens across the city to address food security.
- Allocation of Rs 700 crore for slum rehabilitation infrastructure works.
- Preparation of around 13,000 flats in areas like Savda Ghevra, Bhalswa, Dwarka, and Sultanpuri for allotment in the first phase.
- Implementation of a minimum wage of Rs 22,411 per month, claimed as the highest in India.
Water, Sewerage, and Healthcare Expansion
Gupta emphasized water and sewerage as critical priorities. Efforts include expediting work at the Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant to address supply issues and initiating plans for new treatment plants in Chhatarpur, Iradat Nagar, and Najafgarh. The Delhi Jal Board's water amnesty scheme has allowed consumers to settle pending bills, generating revenue while waiving penalties.
In healthcare, the government has expanded Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and upgraded hospital infrastructure. Notable additions at G B Pant Hospital include new CT scanners, a neuro ICU, and an integrated operation theatre complex. Other improvements encompass new dialysis machines, ambulances, mobile dental vans, and the launch of a State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation. The rollout of the Health Information Management System aims to digitize patient records and enable online OPD bookings linked with ABHA IDs.
Education, Sports, and Environmental Initiatives
In education, the government has enacted the Fee Regulation Act to curb arbitrary fee hikes in private schools. Work on smart classrooms is underway, and CM Shri Schools are being upgraded with digital infrastructure. New curriculum components like 'Neev', 'Science of Living', and 'Rashtraneeti' have been introduced to promote life skills and civic awareness alongside academics.
Sports initiatives include the Delhi Sports Mahakumbh, which has attracted numerous participants. Under the revised Delhi government sports scheme, Olympic gold medallists will receive enhanced incentives.
For environmental sustainability, Gupta highlighted efforts to rejuvenate the Yamuna River through enhanced sewage treatment capacity and plant upgrades. Silt removal from drains and increased biomining capacity for solid waste are underway. A waste-to-energy plant is under construction at Narela-Bawana, with expansions planned at existing facilities in Okhla and Tehkhand.
Gupta concluded by aligning Delhi's progress with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, stating, "Just as the nation progressed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, Delhi aligned itself with that path of growth. This one-year report card belongs to the people. Your trust is our strength, and with public participation, we will move firmly towards our goal — Developed Delhi @2047." The BJP government, with Gupta and six ministers, took oath on February 20, 2025, after defeating AAP and returning to office following a 27-year gap, during which Congress held power for 15 years.
