Delhi CM Rekha Gupta allocates ₹700 crore to improve slum facilities, including toilets and bathing areas. She criticizes previous governments for neglecting slum welfare.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced an allocation of ₹700 crore to enhance facilities in the city’s slum areas. Speaking at the inauguration of a new canteen in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, CM Gupta accused previous governments of prioritizing politics over the welfare of slum dwellers. She emphasized that the current administration is committed to improving the living standards of marginalized communities.
Strengthening Slum Infrastructure under DUSIB
CM Rekha Gupta highlighted that past governments often neglected slum development. According to her, funds were previously transferred at the last minute—on March 31, 100 crore was transferred to the DUSIB (Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board) account, leaving no time for effective utilization. As a result, essential amenities like drinking water and toilets were either inadequate or absent. With the new allocation of ₹700 crore, the government has ordered the construction of toilets along with separate bathing facilities for women, ensuring dignified living conditions for slum residents.
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Public Food Schemes in Delhi: Past and Present
Historically, Delhi has seen several initiatives aimed at providing affordable food. Between 1998 and 2013, former CM Sheila Dikshit launched the “Jan Aahar Yojana,” offering meals at ₹15, which included rotis or puris, rice, vegetables, lentils, curd, and water. Later, the rate was increased to ₹18.
Under the Aam Aadmi Party, the plan was proposed to be revamped as the “Aam Aadmi Canteen Scheme,” with meals priced at ₹5–10. However, this scheme never fully materialized during the party’s decade-long governance.
Gautam Gambhir’s Contribution: Jan Rasoi Initiative
After becoming the MP for East Delhi, Gautam Gambhir started the “Jan Rasoi” in Gandhi Nagar on December 24, 2020, providing meals at just ₹1. Similar canteens were later opened in Ganeshpur and Shakarpur. Around 1,000 people visited daily to avail wholesome meals that included rice, lentils, vegetables, and salad. The program was managed by the Gautam Gambhir Foundation. However, the initiative ceased following political changes.
MCD’s Earlier Initiatives
Earlier, both the South and North Municipal Corporations had launched Atal Aahar Kendra, providing meals at ₹10. In 2017, then-Mayor Kamaljeet Sahrawat inaugurated the scheme on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary. The initiative ran for around seven to eight months but was halted due to funding issues faced by NGOs managing the program.
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