I-Day: CM Rekha outlines vision for national capital’s transformation

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in her Independence Day address at Chhatrasal Stadium, outlined an ambitious roadmap for Delhi’s transformation, unveiling a slew of initiatives across social welfare, housing, healthcare, environment, tourism, sports, and youth empowerment.

Despite heavy rains, thousands gathered to witness the flag hoisting, patriotic performances and the CM’s wide-ranging announcements, which she described as “Delhi’s pledge for a dignified, clean, and modern future.”

Among the major highlights was the launch of the ‘Atal Canteen’ scheme, set to begin on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The initiative will provide nutritious meals to workers at just Rs 5.

“The Delhi Government will stand beside every worker, ensuring jobs, education for their children, and basic family needs,” Gupta declared.

In a significant push for housing security, the CM pledged dignified, fully equipped homes for every slum family, calling it “not just four walls, but dignity, rights and a secure future.” She linked the move to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development.

To support working women, particularly those engaged in labour-intensive jobs such as taxi driving, Gupta announced 500 new child care centres and crèches. She said 300 anganwadi centres had already been upgraded with modern facilities and higher safety standards.

“These measures will transform the lives of the poor and working classes and ensure no one is left behind in Delhi’s progress,” she said.

In her wide-ranging address, the CM also presented a detailed report card of infrastructure growth, healthcare expansion and youth welfare. She highlighted the completion of nearly 400 km of Metro network carrying 50 lakh passengers daily, with new lines rapidly under construction, and thanked the Central Government for its continued support.

Healthcare was given special focus, with Gupta announcing the setting up of 1,100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, of which 166 are already operational. She said five major hospital expansion projects would be inaugurated this month, adding 1,300 beds, modern OPDs and advanced equipment. Further, 1,500 nurses have been given permanent appointments, while 28 hospitals have received new medical superintendents. Victims of the 1984 Sikh riots and displaced Kashmiri families have also been provided long-awaited compensation, she informed.

On the environmental front, Gupta reiterated her pledge to free Delhi from garbage and pollution. She cited progress in processing more than half of the city’s garbage mountain waste, rollout of 1,000 sprinklers, smog guns and 70 mechanised road sweepers, and the launch of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to plant 70 lakh trees. She also announced the inauguration of India’s first e-waste park at Holambi Kalan and deployment of 749 electric buses under the DEVI scheme.

Education and sports also featured prominently. Gupta announced the Delhi School Education Transparency and Regulation law, designed to protect parents from arbitrary fee hike. For athletes, she said Delhi’s sports awards and honours would now exceed those of any other state, with crores in rewards and job security for national and Olympic-level players. Anti-drug clubs, start-up support for youth and tourism initiatives like Yamuna cruise service, regular riverfront Aarti and a 12-km-long Chhath Ghat were also unveiled to boost culture and spirituality in the Capital.

Paying tribute to freedom fighters and soldiers, including those who fought in the Operation Sindoor, the CM said Delhi must aim to be a “Viksit Capital” before the nation celebrates 100 years of independence.

“Our pledge is to take every street, every neighbourhood, and every citizen’s life to new heights,” she said, vowing to build a city free from garbage, corruption, discrimination and unemployment.