NEW DELHI: On Republic Day, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hosted a lunch for slum residents at her residence, ‘Jan Sewa Sadan,’ and inaugurated development projects worth ₹327 crore in Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters.
During the event, she reaffirmed her government’s dedication to the development of these areas, announcing an allocation of ₹144 crore for various initiatives.
The Delhi government has granted administrative approval of ₹225 crore for the construction of 476 public convenience complexes, with ₹81 crore already issued for 214 projects, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Additionally, administrative approval of ₹102 crore has been allocated for 254 cement concrete (CC) works, with ₹63 crore already awarded for 172 of these projects.
The chief minister shared lunch with representatives from JJ clusters citywide and emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of slum residents.
Gupta criticized the previous government for viewing slum residents solely as a vote bank and creating a climate of fear among them.
The event was also attended by Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, and State General Secretary Vishnu Mittal.
The projects include public convenience complexes and cement concrete (CC) works within the lanes of JJ clusters.
The chief minister disclosed that the Delhi government has earmarked a dedicated budget of ₹700 crore for JJ development, aimed at enhancing basic amenities, housing, health, sanitation, and social welfare initiatives.
A comprehensive plan is in place to improve essential facilities such as drains, roads, toilets, parks, and settlement development centres in JJ areas, aiming to elevate residents from inhumane living conditions, she stated.
Gupta also highlighted several key initiatives for the welfare of JJ cluster residents, including Atal Canteens, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and specialized health and nutrition services.
