Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Vows Permanent Solutions for Slum Dwellers

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has rolled out a series of impactful decisions aimed at improving the lives of slum dwellers in the capital. She has instructed the Railways, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and other government bodies to prevent the demolition of any slums. Instead, if removals are unavoidable due to development projects, alternative housing must be arranged beforehand, according to an official statement.

In an effort to address long-standing housing issues, around 50,000 houses built in the city's outskirts years ago are set for renovation and will be designated for slum residents. Gupta also asserted her commitment to amending existing policies on slum clusters, even suggesting legal action to safeguard the housing rights of these individuals. Her administration is determined not to overlook the hardships faced by the slum population.

Gupta criticized opposition parties for exploiting slum dwellers for political gain and emphasized her government's dedication to recognizing them as legitimate residents of Delhi. Continuous discussions are being held with various departments to establish permanent settlements for these communities. Furthermore, she expressed satisfaction that previously neglected flats, built under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), will be allocated to the poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U) scheme. She lamented the inaction of prior administrations, which left the flats unallocated and the allotted funds unutilized.

(With inputs from agencies.)