Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Envisions Capital as India's Top Economic Hub in Maiden Republic Day Address
In her inaugural speech at the Delhi state Republic Day function held on Sunday at Chhatrasal Stadium, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta articulated a bold vision for the national capital, asserting that Delhi must evolve into the country's most robust economic center. The annual event, traditionally conducted on January 25, served as a platform for Gupta to outline her administration's comprehensive strategy for urban development and economic growth.
India-EU Trade Deal: A Gateway for Delhi's MSME Sector
Gupta highlighted the impending India-European Union trade agreement, potentially announced this week, as a transformative opportunity for Delhi. She emphasized that this pact could unlock access for the city's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector to a vast consumer base of 4.5 million across EU nations, fostering export-led growth and job creation.
Eleven Months of Governance: Key Achievements Across Sectors
The Chief Minister detailed her government's accomplishments over the past eleven months, spanning multiple critical domains:
- Healthcare: Implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme has registered 6.5 lakh beneficiaries in Delhi, with over 30,000 individuals already availing benefits. The establishment of more than 300 Ayushman Arogya health centers across the city aims to enhance medical accessibility.
- Education: The enactment of the Delhi Education Act is designed to curb arbitrary fee increases by private institutions, providing relief to lakhs of parents and students.
- Infrastructure and Safety: Under the 'Safe City Project', plans are underway to install 10,000 advanced CCTV cameras citywide. Additionally, the government is addressing legacy environmental challenges, including Yamuna river cleaning, garbage management, and pollution control.
- Transportation: A significant expansion of public transport includes the introduction of 11,000 electric buses within three years and extending the metro rail network from 396 km to 500 km.
- Rural and Urban Development: Special focus on rural areas involves an allocation of Rs 1,700 crore for developmental projects, while Rs 700 crore is earmarked for improving civic infrastructure in slum clusters.
Financial Stability and Innovation Initiatives
Gupta underscored financial prudence through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Reserve Bank of India, ensuring no fund shortages for developmental endeavors. She also revealed ambitions to position Delhi as a "capital of ideas" by advancing startup policies and fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem.
Call for Public Participation and Sustainable Practices
In her concluding remarks, the Chief Minister appealed for collective cooperation in Delhi's developmental initiatives. She urged private entities to adopt sustainable measures such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, and decentralized sewage treatment plants. Furthermore, Gupta encouraged residents to opt for clean-fuel vehicles and utilize public transport, reinforcing the government's commitment to a "clean and green Delhi."
This Republic Day address not only commemorated national pride but also set a forward-looking agenda, positioning Delhi at the forefront of India's economic and social transformation under Gupta's leadership.
