Page 4 - Rekha Gupta

Reliability of Indian brands key to their global reach, says Delhi CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday emphasised the need to establish the "reliability of Indian brands" so they're used across the world, fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'swadeshi' vision. Addressing the ninth edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 held at the Yashobhoomi convention centre, she said every technology that takes the country forward should have Indians' contribution to it. "When the prime minister talks about 'Vocal for Local' and 'swadeshi', he not only means small enterprises but also sectors like defence, technology, healthcare, and education, among others," Gupta said. The prime minister believes that India should not only produce everything needed by its people but also be in a position to supply it across the world, she said. "We use brands from other countries but we have to now establish the reliability of Indian brands so that the whole world uses them," she added.

Delhi CM inspects ghats, reviews Chhath Puja preparations on Yamuna banks

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inspected the Yamuna ghats here to assess arrangements for the forthcoming Chhath Puja. She also took a boat ride on the river. The chief minister, accompanied by Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Kapil Mishra, directed the officers to ensure proper preparations for the four-day festival likely to be celebrated from October 25-28. Gupta had earlier announced that her government would set up temporary ghats on both sides of the river. However, she made it clear that immersion in the Yamuna waters is not allowed by the courts. Meanwhile, the Delhi government's Irrigation and Flood Control Department has identified at least 100 points along the Yamuna River and other areas where temporary arrangements are being made, officials said. The department will be handling the preparation of ghats, while the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will be responsible for suppressing the white foam at Kalindi Kunj, which is an annual occurrence, they said. A part of

Amit Shah to inaugurate Delhi Jal Board projects worth over ₹1,800 crore

The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a two-week-long Seva Pakhwada on the occasion of PM Modi's birthday, which will conclude on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on October 2

Delhi inaugurates six switching sub-stations to power DTC electric fleet

Six dedicated power sub-stations opened in Delhi, as the city pushes to cut emissions and expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet by 2026

Delhi CM to transfer Ladli scheme honorarium to 40k beneficiaries on Oct 1

The Delhi government will credit honorarium to nearly 40,000 beneficiaries under its Ladli scheme on October 1, an official said on Tuesday. The move is part of the ongoing Seva Pakhwada (service fortnight) to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 75th birthday. "The transfers will be made in a single click at an event to be held at Talkatora Stadium, where Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are expected to participate," the official said. Earlier this year, the Women and Child Development department initiated a district-wise drive to identify Ladli Yojana beneficiaries who have not claimed their entitled payments. Many children change districts for schooling but do not renew their registration under the scheme, often due to a lack of awareness. Others discontinue their education midway, further complicating the renewal process, according to the department. "To address this, officials overseeing the scheme in Delhi's 11 districts were ...

Amit Shah to launch Yamuna revival projects worth ₹4,000 cr on Sep 30

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate 46 projects aimed at the revival of the Yamuna worth over Rs 4,000 crore on September 30. She was speaking at the inauguration event of six state-of-the-art switching sub-stations at key Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus depots during the Sewa Pakhwada. While five switching sub-stations have been set up by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) in South and West Delhi, one has been set up by Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) in North Delhi. In her address, Gupta highlighted the multiple achievements of the government and said that the day before, interstate bus services were launched between Delhi and Baraut after a gap of 18 years. "Okhla STP, which is Asia's largest STP, will be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Forty-six schemes worth Rs 4,000 crore will be dedicated in one day. These will include multiple STPs," she added. The chief minister said D

Ramleela, Durga Puja events to continue in Delhi till midnight, says CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday said her government has permitted cultural events like Ramleela and Durga Puja to continue until midnight, asserting that "Ram-rajya should come in Delhi" and for that "we all should work a little." "I always used to say that our Hindu festivals were facing problems. Which Ramleela ends at 10 pm? Durga Puja cannot end at 10 pm. When in Gujarat, Dandiya can go on all night and events can take place throughout the night, then what is the fault of the people of Delhi?" Gupta said. "That is why this time we have given permission till 12 am. All the Ramleela, Durga Puja, and other cultural programmes can take place till midnight now," she added. On Monday, the Delhi government extended the permissible time for the use of loudspeakers and public address systems during Ramleela, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and related events. The relaxation, valid from September 22 to October 3, was approved by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena. The extension pushes the

GST reforms to boost economy and ease inflation burden: CM Rekha Gupta

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said the GST reforms will strengthen national economy and provide relief from inflation. Gupta, who is set to participate in the 'GST Savings Festival' at Totaram Market in Tri Nagar on Monday afternoon, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to simplify the tax system and make it citizen-friendly has ushered in Diwali early for the capital's traders. "It feels as if Diwali has come early this year for the people of Delhi. A festive spirit is already visible across the city's shopping areas," she said, adding that the simplified Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure will also provide relief from inflation and give a new direction to development. Highlighting that now essential items, including medicines, and key services will be available at lower rates, Gupta said the new GST structure will provide significant relief to common citizens and middle-class families. She stated that Delhi, being a major consumer and commercial hu

CM inaugurates Delhi's first large-scale biogas plant at Nangli Dairy

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inaugurated the national capital's first large-scale biogas plant at Nangli Dairy, calling it a "proud moment" and emphasising that the city needs several such facilities to process cattle dung and municipal waste. The 200-tonne-per-day (TPD) capacity plant, spread over 2.72 acres, will treat cattle dung and biodegradable waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and manure, officials said. "This plant will not only help in cleaning drains and reducing pollution in the Yamuna but also generate green energy and revenue. Delhi produces nearly 1,500 metric tonnes of cow dung daily and one plant is not enough. The city will need many more such units in the future," Gupta said. Attacking the previous AAP government, Gupta alleged that the project was delayed for years despite funds being sanctioned in 2018. "It took eight years to complete this project because the previous government kept blaming Modi ji instead of working. They indulged in politics

CM Rekha Gupta hails DUSU poll winners, promises support from Delhi govt

With the RSS-affiliated ABVP bagging three posts in the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday congratulated the poll winners, urging them to fulfil their responsibilities towards the university. "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all young comrades on ABVP's splendid victory in the DUSU election. This victory is not just of an organisation, but of every youth who considers patriotism, discipline, service, and struggle as the guiding path of their life," Gupta said at the 'Vikshit Bharat Ke Rang, Kala Ke Sang' event. Reflecting on her own experience in student politics, she added, "I am proud that I, too, lived and learned these values as the president of the Delhi University Students' Union. This result shows that the youth of Delhi remain steadfast on the path of knowledge, humility and unity, a path that ABVP established decades ago." The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) bagged three posts in the high-stak

Delhi CM launches barrier-free city campaign for differently-abled persons

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday launch a campaign to create awareness and encourage citizen participation in building a barrier-free city for disabled people on the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The chief minister also said that caregivers of persons with disabilities (PwD) who require special assistance. would be given a monthly assistance of Rs 6,000 under a new scheme. Gupta said, "Our vision is to make Delhi a model accessible city with barrier-free transport, education, healthcare, and public spaces. Inclusion cannot be achieved by government alone; it requires active participation from every citizen." "The objective is to ensure that persons with disabilities get the support they need and can live with dignity," she said. Speaking at the launch event of NAMo Sugamya Rath and Sugamya Delhi Yatra, Gupta said that her government is committed to providing the necessary facilities for persons with disabilities and added that it is the government's resolve

Delhi CM launches first hotline maintenance vehicle for electrical repairs

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday launched Delhi's first "hotline maintenance vehicle" capable of carrying out electrical repairs without requiring a supply shutdown. She announced that similar machines will be deployed across the city. Speaking at the launch of the vehicle in her Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency, she said the machine, worth Rs 1.5 crore, will ensure that residents face no inconvenience during repairs of electrical faults. "Delhi government plans to have these hotline maintenance vehicles for the entire city," Gupta said. The vehicle has been procured by the Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), a discom that supplies power in North Delhi. Regarding the ongoing work of shifting overhead electrical lines in Shalimar Bagh, Gupta said her government wants to expand the project in other parts of the city, especially in Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar. Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood, who was present at the launch event, said people had to endure hours

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta resumes Jan Sunwai amid tight security after attack

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta resumed Jan Sunwai at her camp office on Wednesday morning amid tight security arrangements, a fortnight after she was attacked during the public hearing programme by a man. People from different parts of the city raised their grievances and sought help from the chief minister during the programme, which began at 8 am. Gupta was seated on a chair while people came up before her one by one, submitting their applications and interacting with her through a microphone set up for the purpose. Police personnel, including female security staff, formed an inner ring around the chief minister as she conducted the Jan Sunwai. Proper security arrangements including policemen frisking participants with metal detectors and monitoring the proceedings through CCTV cameras were put in place to prevent any incident. Gupta was attacked by a man from Rajkot (Gujarat) during a Jan Sunwai on August 20 at her camp office, the Mukhya Mantri Jan Sewa Sadan on Raj Niwas

Delhi on flood alert as Haryana releases water; CM Gupta assures readiness

With the record release of water from Haryana raising the threat of flooding in Delhi, authorities are on high alert even as Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured that the government is fully prepared to handle the situation. The authorities have advised people living in the Yamuna floodplains to relocate to safe locations as the water level of the river rose steadily, and is predicted to reach the evacuation mark of 206 metres by Tuesday evening. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Monday ordered closure of traffic movement on the Old Railway Bridge from 5 pm on Tuesday, as the Yamuna continues to swell. According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Hathnikund barrage discharged 3,29,313 cusecs of water at 9 am on Monday, while the Wazirabad barrage discharged around 38,900 cusecs at the time the flood warning was issued. Divisional commissioner Neeraj Semwal said it is expected that more than 3 lakh cusecs of water will be discharged from the Hathnikund

Delhi to release ₹1,600 cr pending GST refunds to traders before Diwali: CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday announced that nearly Rs 1,600 crore in GST refunds pending since 2019 will be released before Diwali, enabling traders to celebrate the festival with greater joy and prosperity. The chief minister on Sunday convened a special meeting of the Department of Trade and Taxes (GST) at her camp office in Civil Lines, which was attended by GST Commissioner Nandini Paliwal, Finance Secretary Shurveer Singh, and other senior officials of the department. Claiming that the previous (AAP) government failed to take any concrete measures towards the settlement of this long-pending amount, Gupta directed that the entire refund amount be disbursed to the traders before Diwali. To make the refund process faster and more transparent, the Delhi GST department, in collaboration with IIT-Hyderabad, has developed an advanced IT module, she said. This system, based on data analytics, data automation and expedited verification, will ensure quicker settlement of .

U-special re-launched in Delhi; CM Gupta boards bus to Daulat Ram College

Singing patriotic songs alongside DU students strumming guitars, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta rode a 'U-Special' bus to her alma mater, Daulat Ram College, reminiscing about her college days. Gupta on Thursday re-launched the U-Special bus service for students of Delhi University as part of efforts to provide a student-friendly travel option. The service was launched with 25 electric buses, operating on as many routes, and will cover 67 DU colleges and other educational institutions. Boarding the U-Special bus from Delhi University Sports Complex to Daulat Ram College, Gupta shared a video on X in which she can be seen singing 'Ae Watan Watan Mere Aabad Rahe Tu' along with students playing guitars and conga. Captioning the video, Gupta wrote, "College, dosti aur guitar... laut aayi hai U-Special. (College, friendship, and guitar... U-Special has returned)." Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh and Transport Minister Pankaj Singh were also present on the bus. At her a

Delhi CMO makes Jan Sunwai camp attendance mandatory for all officers

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued stern directions for effective 'Jan Sunwai' (public hearing) camps at the district revenue offices, warning disciplinary action against officers skipping the weekly hearings, an official statement said on Tuesday. The chief minister said that addressing problems faced by people of Delhi is the top priority of her government. The Jan Sunwai camps will be made more effective so that they become a channel of direct communication between the government and the people instead of being treated as a mere formality, she said, according to a statement from the chief minister's office (CMO). Officers must understand that their presence is part of their accountability to the public, and it cannot be ignored under any circumstances. After the stern directions from the chief minister, a fresh order has been issued by the divisional commissioner for the mandatory presence of designated officers at these camps, said the statement. Attendance of designat

Govt pulls CRPF from CM Gupta's security, Delhi Police to handle protection

The Centre has withdrawn the Z category CRPF security provided to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, days after she was accorded the cover following an attack on her, official sources said on Monday. Her security has been entrusted to Delhi Police again, they said. Gupta, 51, was attacked by a man on August 20 morning during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her camp office in the Civil Lines area, with her office terming the assault a part of a "well-planned conspiracy to kill her". A day later, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) VIP security wing was asked by the Union home ministry to extend its cover to her as part of Z category protection protocol of the Centre. The CRPF cover has been withdrawn and Delhi Police is now providing security to the Delhi CM, sources told PTI. The orders for extending the CRPF cover were to be issued formally by the Centre but there was a change of plan and finally the orders for withdrawal were issued, they said. Delhi Police has arrested two pers

Blueprint being prepared to solve waterlogging problem: CM Rekha Gupta

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday that a comprehensive blueprint of the capital's sewer system is being prepared to provide a permanent solution to the problem of waterlogging. Highlighting the city's improved preparedness during this year's monsoon, Gupta said despite Delhi receiving above-normal rainfall in August, residents did not face a severe waterlogging crisis. "While waterlogging did occur in some areas, the situation in most localities returned to normal within half an hour to an hour owing to the efficiency of the departments concerned," she said. The chief minister said serious waterlogging was not witnessed this time at the city's known "super-black spots", such as the Minto Road bridge, ITO Chowk, Zakhira Underpass and Anand Vihar. "Even after continuous rainfall for two days, Delhi's traffic and civic life remained normal," she added. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi has recorded more than 254.8 mm of rainfall so far in Augu

Delhi CM attack: Second accused arrested in Rekha Gupta assault case

The Delhi Police on Sunday arrested another person in connection with the assault on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, officials said. The accused has been identified as Tahseen Syed, a friend of prime accused Sakriya Rajeshbhai Khimji, they said. On Wednesday, CM Gupta was attacked during a public hearing at her Civil Lines camp office. Khimji (41), an autorickshaw driver, was arrested in connection with the attack. Tahseen was brought from Gujarat's Rajkot to the capital on Friday night for questioning and was arrested today, they said.