NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Monday that her government has allocated ₹700 crore in the budget for the development of slum settlements.
“Whenever slums need to be removed for any reason, we ensure that houses are provided to eligible residents so they can truly feel like citizens of the national capital,” she stated.
Gupta warned slum dwellers against being misled by the AAP, claiming that during their tenure, they only viewed slum residents as vote banks and promoted alcohol in these areas. “Now that the current government is implementing development schemes for slum communities, they are attempting to create discord and mislead the residents,” she added.
The chief minister made these comments while visiting the Faatak Wali Jhuggi slum camp near the railway crossing in Shalimar Bagh on Sunday morning. The railways have issued a notice for the removal of this settlement because it is situated on railway land, as they expand the Azadpur railway station.
Gupta noted that a survey of this area was conducted in 2020, but the previous AAP government failed to make any decisions or engage in discussions with the railways. “We are now developing a plan for you to ensure you do not face any difficulties,” she assured.
“When challenges arose, I came to meet you because the Delhi government is not in favor of removing slums without justification,” she stated. She pledged that if slums must be removed for development projects or valid reasons, arrangements would be made for the rehabilitation of eligible residents so they can also contribute to Delhi’s growth.
She committed to discussing the housing needs of these residents with the ministry of railways, promising, “You will receive complete justice. The Delhi government is fully dedicated to this,” adding that there is no reason to panic.
The chief minister criticized both Congress and AAP governments, emphasizing that over the past 40 years, there has been little development in Delhi’s slums. “These parties have viewed slum dwellers merely as voters, perpetually seeking to exploit them,” she said.
Gupta also addressed AAP’s allegations that the Delhi government aims to remove slum residents. “Let me clarify: our government has allocated ₹700 crore for the development of slum settlements,” she asserted.
The goal is straightforward: our government is continually working towards slum development, constructing roads, lanes, and pavements, and providing clean drinking water. Facilities such as toilets and bathing areas for women are also being established, she explained.
Gupta accused AAP of attempting to intimidate slum dwellers. She highlighted that during their administration, AAP did nothing for their development, opting instead to promote alcoholism, while “we are focusing on genuine and meaningful growth,” she asserted.
