In a major boost for residents of Delhi’s slum settlements, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Republic Day approved Rs 327 crore worth of development projects aimed at improving basic infrastructure and living conditions in jhuggi clusters across the capital. The announcements were made during a special programme held at the Chief Minister’s Jan Seva Sadan, where representatives from slum communities were invited to participate.
The event marked a symbolic outreach by the Delhi government, as the Chief Minister shared lunch with slum residents and reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing dignity, better facilities, and a higher quality of life to people living in informal settlements. Officials said that out of the total Rs 327 crore sanctioned, projects worth Rs 144 crore have already been awarded, and work on several schemes has begun.
Focus on Basic Infrastructure and Sanitation
According to government officials, the approved projects include construction of public utility complexes, cement concrete (CC) roads in narrow lanes, drainage systems, sanitation facilities, and community development infrastructure. These initiatives are aimed at addressing long-pending issues related to hygiene, connectivity, and safety in densely populated jhuggi areas.
Special attention has been given to women representatives from slum clusters, many of whom attended the programme and shared their concerns directly with the Chief Minister. Rekha Gupta assured them that the government would ensure sustained monitoring of projects so that development reaches the ground without delays.
Strong Political Message and Welfare Commitment
In her address, the Chief Minister took a sharp dig at previous administrations, saying earlier governments treated slum residents merely as a “vote bank” and kept them in fear and neglect. “While previous leaders lived in lavish residences, this government chooses to sit with the people, listen to them, and work for their dignity,” she said.
Gupta highlighted that the contribution of slum residents and workers is crucial to Delhi’s growth and prosperity. “Our aim is to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person standing in the queue,” she said, adding that the government has earmarked a dedicated Rs 700 crore budget for slum development.
Detailed Plan for Slum Redevelopment
The Chief Minister revealed that a comprehensive action plan has been prepared to upgrade roads, drains, toilets, parks, and settlement development centres in slum areas. She said the government is working systematically to pull families out of inhuman living conditions and provide them with sustainable urban infrastructure.
Under the public utility complex projects, 476 works worth Rs 225 crore have received administrative approval, with 214 works already allotted at a cost of Rs 81 crore. Similarly, under CC road works, 254 projects worth Rs102 crore have been approved, out of which 172 works worth ₹63 crore have been awarded.
Welfare Schemes and ‘Double Engine’ Governance
Rekha Gupta also highlighted new welfare initiatives such as Atal Canteens, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and improved health and nutrition services for slum communities — facilities that, she said, were earlier missing. Emphasising the “double engine government” model, she said Delhi is now aligned with the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”
The Chief Minister concluded by saying that slum redevelopment would remain a top priority and that future budgets would continue to strengthen housing, healthcare, sanitation, and social welfare in vulnerable settlements.
