Page 12 - Rekha Gupta

Five-day budget session of Delhi Assembly begins with 'kheer' ceremony

The five-day Budget session of the Delhi Assembly began on Monday with a 'Kheer' ceremony with BJP leaders saying that "sweetness symbolises progress". Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also holds the finance portfolio, will table the first budget of a BJP government in Delhi in more than 26 years. At the ceremony, Minister Kapil Mishra said the budget session holds a historical significance. "Today, people from diverse backgrounds, including businessmen, auto drivers, Dalit brothers and sisters, will share 'Kheer' (pudding) together. The budget will be presented tomorrow," he said. BJP leader Satish Upadhyay extended his wishes the chief minister, and said budget represents a message of progress for Delhi. He emphasised that CM Gupta has engaged with a broad spectrum of people, from women and youths to business owners and residents of colonies, gathering suggestions to shape the budget. "Sweetness symbolises progress. The CM is sending a message that Delhi's development is on track

Auto drivers join BJP's sweet start ahead of Delhi Assembly budget session

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta arrived at the Delhi Assembly this morning ahead of the commencement of proceedings

Delhi Assembly budget session begins today, 3rd CAG report set to be tabled

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will move a motion for the election of financial committees, marking an important step in the assembly's financial governance

Ruling party, Oppn both necessary for Delhi's development: CM Rekha Gupta

She further said that every moment is precious and it should be utilised and respected properly

Delhi govt's revenue below projections, except for GST, say officials

The revenue collections of the Delhi government, except for GST and VAT, are likely to remain below the budget projections, officials said on Sunday. According to official data, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Value Added Tax (VAT) collections were Rs 40,009 crore (tentative) as of February 2025. The collections from motor vehicle taxes and excise revenue were Rs 2,810 crore and Rs 5,516 crore, respectively, close to the end of the current fiscal, they said. In its budget for 2024-25, the Delhi government estimated total tax revenue of Rs 58,750 crore. This included Rs 41,000 crore from GST and VAT, Rs 3,600 crore from taxes on motor vehicles, Rs 7,750 crore from stamps and registration fees, and Rs 6,400 crore from excise. The officials said that, except for GST and VAT, revenue collections from motor vehicle taxes and charges, and excise taxes were sluggish. The collections from motor vehicle taxes were 22 per cent below the budget estimate, and excise revenue was 14 per cen

CM Rekha Gupta launches major campaign to tackle Delhi's air pollution

The Delhi government has launched an extensive campaign to combat air pollution and improve the city's air quality with focus on reducing dust, managing traffic congestion and enhancing public transport, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday. The steps are all aimed at making the national capital cleaner and healthier, according to a statement. Gupta emphasised that making Delhi pollution-free was the city government's top priority. "We are committed to implementing scientific and sustainable solutions to improve air quality and ensure a clean, green and healthy future for Delhi's residents." As part of the plan, the entire Ring Road will undergo regular mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling to prevent dust buildup. Gupta also ordered strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction sites. To further tackle pollution, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, public works department, Delhi Development Authority and other road-owning agencies have been instructed to pla

CM Rekha Gupta pledges to transform Delhi with better health, education

Slamming the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Gupta said that people started leaving Delhi while attributing the same to the conduct of the predecessor government

CM Rekha Gupta vows to paint Delhi with colours of happiness, prosperity

Gupta highlighted her vision for the capital, focusing on progress and prosperity, and reaffirmed the importance of her leadership in achieving a brighter future for the people of Delhi

In meeting on pollution, Delhi CM outlines plans for clean, green city

In a bid to free Delhi of pollution, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday outlined plans for a clean, green and healthy city. Gupta chaired a meeting to discuss steps to make the national capital cleaner and pollution-free that was attended by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and senior officials from the environment and the public works departments, Delhi Police, Commission for Air Quality Management, Delhi Development Authority, and civic bodies. During the meeting, the chief minister directed the departments and the agencies to accelerate pollution-control efforts. "We are dedicated to creating a clean, green and healthy capital with the support of Delhi's residents," Gupta said in a post in Hindi on X. All the departments concerned were directed to take concrete and effective measures to accelerate pollution control, she said. "The government remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to improve air quality and expand green spaces. With the support o

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces Yamuna ferry service, to begin in 3-4 months

An MoU was signed that aims to develop and boost cruise tourism on a four-kilometre stretch on River Yamuna (National Waterway 110) between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur

Atishi slams BJP over promise of free LPG cylinders to women on Holi

The AAP on Tuesday questioned the ruling BJP in Delhi over its promise to provide free cooking gas cylinders to women on the occasion of Holi. Addressing a press conference, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi chief minister Atishi said that women in the capital are waiting for the BJP to fulfil its pre-poll promise. "I want to ask the BJP government and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta if they will fulfil their poll promise of providing free cooking gas cylinders to women in Delhi on Holi, or will it prove to be another gimmick like providing monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to women," Atishi said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its manifesto for the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls promised to provide cooking gas cylinders to women from economically weaker sections for Rs 500 along with two refills free of charge on Holi and Diwali. The BJP government has approved a Mahila Samriddhi Yojana for providing Rs 2,500 monthly assistance to women from poor familie

Delhi govt launches Mahila Samriddhi Scheme; here's how to register

The scheme was rolled out at an event in Delhi's Chhatrasal stadium, where some of the beneficiaries received assistance during the ceremony

Will deliver everything that we have promised: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

She said, "The only government that approved 33 percent reservation is Narendra Modi's government. We will work for the welfare and security of women. We will deliver everything that we have promised"

Atishi urges Delhi CM to transfer Rs 2,500 to women's accounts immediately

Senior AAP leader Atishi on Friday wrote a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, urging her to ensure immediate transfer of Rs 2,500 to women's accounts, as promised by the BJP during the assembly polls. "The prime minister had assured the mothers and sisters of Delhi that once the BJP's government is formed, the scheme to provide Rs 2,500 per month would be approved in the first cabinet meeting and funds would start reaching women's accounts by Women's Day," the leader of opposition in the Delhi Assembly wrote. With only a day to go for Women's Day, women across Delhi are eagerly awaiting the fulfilment of this promise, Atishi said. "They are hoping that the first instalment will be credited to their accounts as assured by the BJP. To give the women of Delhi their due, the funds should be transferred without delay. Every woman in the city is looking towards you with hope," she said. In the run-up to the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls, the BJP promised to provide Rs 2,500 pe

Felt like protagonist of 'Nayak': Rekha Gupta on her selection as Delhi CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said she felt like the protagonist of the Hindi movie "Nayak" after being selected for the post and asserted that it was not a "lottery" but an honour for all daughters of the country. Addressing India Today Conclave, Gupta, the only woman chief minister across BJP-ruled states, said the BJP government in Delhi will ensure the cleaning of the Yamuna in three years, starting a ferry service on it and diminishing three landfill sites up to 80-90 per cent in next two years. The other priorities of her government were to ensure that Delhi people do not face water shortage in the summers and waterlogging during monsoon, she said. On being asked about her getting preference for the chief minister's post over several senior leaders and MLAs, Gupta said, "Let no one have any misunderstanding. This victory is due to the people of Delhi and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." "This is not a post, it is a job and a responsibility. Our ai

Mahila Samriddhi Scheme: Delhi women can apply for ₹2,500 aid from March 8

The Delhi govt is set to launch the Mahila Samriddhi Scheme on March 8, offering ₹2,500 monthly assistance to eligible women aged 18-60 with annual household incomes below ₹3 lakh

Traders, business owners struggling due to poor infra, says Delhi CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday said that traders and business owners across the city have expressed frustration over inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation and lack of development, adding that they have been troubled by mismanagement and impractical policies of the previous government. Speaking on the sidelines of an event related to the upcoming Delhi Budget 2025-26, Gupta said her government has received valuable suggestions from traders and industrialists and assured them of concrete action. For years, traders and business owners have been suffering due to impractical policies, bureaucratic hurdles and negligence by the last government. There has been no real development -- roads and drainage systems remain in poor condition, and even basic civic amenities like washrooms are lacking in major markets, she told reporters. She highlighted issues faced by both small and large commercial hubs such as Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar, which are reeling from

CM Gupta prioritises safety, financial aid in first BJP-led Delhi budget

In the run-up to the BJP-led Delhi government's first budget, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday held a series of meetings, including with women's groups, to address key issues concerning women's safety, financial assistance, education and infrastructure. As part of these consultations, she also interacted with private school associations and trade bodies to gather inputs for the 'Viksit Delhi Budget' set to be presented between March 24 and 26. Gupta led a detailed discussion with women's groups during the 'Mahila Samvad' at the Delhi Vidhan Sabha, where the participants voiced concerns about security, financial empowerment, better educational opportunities, installation of CCTV cameras and access to sanitation facilities. She assured that their feedback would be taken into account in the budget. "Detailed dialogue was held with various women's organizations for the expectations and suggestions of the developed Delhi Budget 2025-26. During this, important topics related to ...

They can't dictate govt agenda: Delhi CM slams AAP over poll promise issue

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Wednesday hit out at AAP, asserting the opposition party cannot dictate her government's agenda while reiterating the BJP dispensation's commitment to fulfilling its poll promises. The Aam Aadmi Party has been mounting pressure on the newly-formed BJP government to expedite the rollout of its promised scheme of providing Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women. The party has consistently raised the issue in the first assembly session and staged multiple protests. Addressing a press conference, Gupta said, "Nobody needs to remind us how many days are left... We will work as per our agenda, they will not dictate it." She highlighted the ongoing consultations with women's organizations for the upcoming Viksit Delhi budget and said the discussions covered various issues, including health, safety and economic empowerment. "All expectations of women from the budget were discussed in detail. We will ensure they are incorporated into government policies," the

No mediator needed, anyone can talk to me directly, says Rekha Gupta

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday assured the home guards that they can approach her directly with their grievances, emphasizing that no mediator is required to communicate with her. Gupta made the remarks while meeting a group of home guards, who claimed that they had not received their salaries for the past five months. The home guards deployed as bus marshals in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses for women's safety also said that some of them had not been paid since Diwali last year. "If somebody wants to talk then come directly to me, no one requires any kind of mediator," she said. The chief minister met the home guards at her residence here. She listened to their concerns and assured them that their issues would be resolved soon. My heart is extremely happy to meet the family members who came to my residence from every corner of Delhi. I listened to their problems carefully and assured them of solutions. This selfless love, blessings and support of the peopl