Delhi’s development model can be benchmark for other cities: CM Rekha Gupta on Independence Day

After Prime Minister addressed the youth from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Gupta also sent out a message to the youth in the Capital. “…My young friends, do not limit your strength only to digital screens and social media.
Turn your ideas into startups, turn your creativity into innovation, turn your questions into research, and turn your sensitivity into service… use your potential in nation-building,” she said.

“Parantu, ek baat ka jarur dhyan rakhna, ek varg jise urban naxalwad kaha jata hai…usse jarur sachet rehna… jiske kaaran Bharat ko dhai front par ladayi ladnii padti hai. Do desh ke baar aur aadha front desh k andar. Jo humesha desh ka, desh ki sena ka apmaan karta rehta hai. (However, there is one thing you must certainly keep in mind. You must remain cautious against the group known as ‘Urban Naxals,’ because of whom India is forced to fight a ‘2.5-front’ war. Two fronts are outside the country and half within the country, which always keeps insulting the country and its armed forces),” she said.

Gupta added, “In order to achieve the Prime Minister’s goal of a developed India, Delhi should lead the rest of the country… The youth of the city will take up this special responsibility…ye desh ki Amrit Peedi hai (this is the immortal generation of the nation).”

She also said that Delhi’s youth have the capability to provide job, not just seek employment. “Today’s youth is very different — they question, know technology, are connected to the world. On issues such as mental health, climate change, gender equality, innovation and social justice, they are both sensitive and aware,” Gupta said.

The Delhi CM’s remarks comes weeks after the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest against paper leaks was called off at Jantar Mantar following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resigation from the post of Union Education Minister, which was one of the key demands.

Thanks Centre for cooperation

Meanwhile, highlighting the cooperation between the Centre and the Delhi government, Gupta said the Capital would play an important role in the PM’s Viksit Bharat vision with the Centre’s support. “I thank the Central government, which has sanctioned us a sum of Rs 2,600 crore, which will help us undertake 61 new projects. And this funding will work as a strong cooperation between the Centre and the Delhi government. It is also a reflection of our shared commitment to Delhi’s development,” she said.

Gupta said the people of Delhi had voted for a change in the functioning of the government and that her administration’s focus was on taking development to the ground.

The CM also highlighted the formation of a Department of Capital Development by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, calling it a “game changer” and a “growth engine” that would take Delhi forward.

Highlights govt’s achivements

The CM also highlighted her government’s achievements over the last one year. On the health front, Gupta said nine lakh beneficiaries had been registered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi, while three lakh senior citizens above 70 had been covered under the Vaivandana Yojana. The government, she said, opened 417 Jan Arogya Mandirs where 80 types of tests and free medicines are available.

“Five new blocks of hospitals have been completed, and 38 government hospitals have been connected through the Hospital Information Management System. The shortage of doctors has been addressed, and the shortage of medical staff has also been addressed,” she said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the Anmol Yojana, under which 56 tests will be conducted by taking a drop of blood from every newborn child in Delhi. “These tests are not only for children born in government hospitals; they are for every child born in Delhi, so that Delhi becomes healthy and moves forward in good health,” Gupta said.
Speaking about the education sector, she said work had begun on 75 new CM Shri schools, while smart boards had been installed in 9,000 classrooms. The government has also made arrangements for laptops for meritorious students and started providing cycles to Class IX girls.

On infrastructure, Gupta said Delhi was “rapidly emerging as India’s EV city”, with more than 4,000 electric buses. She said the government was also working on expanding the Metro network.

The CM said environment and pollution are among the government’s key priorities. “For the first time, by declaring Delhi’s budget a Green Budget, we have decided to spend 21% of the share, that is, Rs 22,000 crore, as the Green Budget,” she said.

On women’s welfare, Gupta said more than 18 lakh Pink Cards had been issued, enabling women and transgender persons to travel for free on Delhi government buses. Under the Durga Scheme, the government would provide electric auto permits to 1,100 women, including 100 transgender persons, she added.

She said around 7.25 lakh women had registered under the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, under which women from economically weaker sections would recieve monthly aid of Rs 2,500. The government has also launched the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, under which girls will receive Rs 1 lakh by the time they complete graduation.