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Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Delhi CM flags off 105 DEVI e-buses; AAP protests vehicle's new ‘saffron' colour over ‘Hindu' sentiments
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday flagged off 105 new orange-coloured mini DEVI (Delhi EV Inter-connector) buses while also inaugurating a newly-constructed DTC bus depot at Narela's Sector A9. Addressing mediapersons, Gupta said, 'We had promised to modernise every bus depot and terminal in Delhi and construct new ones to ensure seamless, safe, and widespread transport access. Today's terminal and DEVI buses stand testimony to that commitment.' She claimed that the depot was completed in just 90 days, adding that it is reflective of the government's efficiency. Sharing key features of the new terminal, the CM said it is built on 4,000 sqm of land, includes parking for buses, a new pass section, staff and passenger canteens, medical facilities, clean toilets, RO water plant, pantry, and EV charging stations. Designed as a modern public transport hub, the bus depot has three dedicated bus bays and two high-tech sheds – 34 m and 40 m in length. Built at a cost of Rs 2.63 crore, the terminal will operate 75 buses on 9 major routes, most of which will be electric. These buses will connect areas like Old Delhi Railway Station, Mori Gate, Delhi Secretariat, Uttam Nagar, and border regions of the Capital. Gupta said the low-floor, AC, wheelchair-friendly buses are equipped with panic buttons, CCTV cameras, and real-time tracking features. At 9-m long, these e-buses are specially designed for last-mile connectivity. Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said the earlier DEVI buses were green in colour, and this is the first time an entire fleet of orange-coloured buses has been introduced. Taking a dig at AAP, the CM said, 'As per the CAG report, DTC currently suffers a loss of over Rs 65,000 crore – equivalent to 65% of Delhi's total budget… While Delhi once had 850 bus routes, the number was cut in half, while operating costs doubled. Massive scams occurred in ticketing and women's free travel due to a lack of transparent systems.' She also accused the previous government of irregularities in the installation of panic buttons, CCTVs, as well as in staff training and recruitment. She claimed that in the previous regime, routes were reduced, while per-kilometre costs were inflated and thousands of DTC employees were rendered jobless. 'The previous governments were more focused on profit than performance. For the first time, the Capital has a government that values work over money,' Gupta claimed. The AAP, meanwhile, citing the saffron colour of the DEVI buses, hit out at the BJP, accusing it of 'hurting Hindu sentiments'. AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj said the move would desecrate faith, as buses stained with spit, paan, and vomit cannot be linked to religious symbols. Addressing the media, Bharadwaj said that public spaces are no place for such tokenism. 'If CM Rekha Gupta is so fond of saffron, she should wear saffron clothes every day; we would be happy. She can get all the walls of her office painted saffron, we have no objection. She can even paint all the rooms in her house saffron, and we won't mind.' 'All these DEVI buses were originally mohalla buses. The BJP first renamed them as 'DEVI' and is now going to change their colour to saffron. As a Hindu, I find this decision objectionable,' Bharadwaj said. He added that the buses should not have been renamed DEVI, considering that people board them wearing shoes and slippers.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ministers to welcome Kanwariyas with flower showers: CM
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced that all her ministers, MLAs and senior government officials will personally receive Kanwariyas with flower showers at every entry point into the city during the upcoming Kanwar Yatra. Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, North East MP Manoj Tiwari, and cabinet minister Ravinder Singh (Indraj) at Yamuna Sports Complex in east Delhi on Thursday. (Sonu Mehta/HT Photo) The announcement came after Gupta met representatives of various Kanwar committees at the Delhi Secretariat. It follows the government's recent decision to transfer up to ₹ 10 lakh to each committee to organise pilgrim camps during the holy month of Sawan, which begins on July 23. 'This is the government's first Kanwar event, and our aim is to make it the most well-coordinated yet,' the chief minister said. She added that a new system has been introduced to issue permissions to Kanwar committees within 72 hours, and each camp will be eligible for up to 1,200 units of free electricity. 'At every entry point, secure corridors, cleanliness, lighting and medical support will be ensured,' Gupta said, promising equal support even for the smallest of camps. Crackdown on drug trafficking In a separate event on Thursday, Gupta launched a citywide awareness campaign against drug use and trafficking, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. 'In just the first four months of 2025, Delhi Police arrested over 1,100 individuals involved in drug trafficking,' she said at an event at Yamuna Sports Complex. 'FIRs have been filed, large quantities of narcotics have been seized, and many addicts have been referred to rehabilitation centres. The Delhi government, police and civil society are working in tandem to combat drug abuse—and public participation is crucial to this mission.' .
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"In 2025, Delhi Police has arrested at least 1100 people involved in the drug trade": Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): Addressing the state event to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025, on Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that Delhi Police have arrested at least 1100 people involved in the drug trade in 2025. CM Gupta said, 'This year, in 2025, our Delhi Police has arrested at least 1100 people involved in the drug trade, cases have been registered against them, and all the narcotic drugs found have been seized...' She urged the government, police and society to work together against the drug menace in the national capital. 'The government, police, and society are all working to eradicate this, but we all need to work together as a team. I believe that when we all work together, the menace of drugs will be completely eliminated from society,' Rekha Gupta said. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Delhi Chief Minister addressed the media at Delhi Secretariat and shared the major policy decisions taken by the government ahead of the upcoming Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Sawan. According to an official release, CM Gupta informed that the Delhi Cabinet has approved new reforms to ensure efficient and dignified service to Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva). The Chief Minister said that Kanwar service committees will now receive direct assistance from the government. While addressing the press conference, the CM stated that Kanwar committees will now receive grant-in-aid via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ending the old tender-based system, which was prone to corruption and substandard material supply. She emphasised, 'The move will enhance transparency and efficiency, ensuring better services for devotees. Only registered committees with valid PAN, bank details, and registration certificates will be eligible for the grant.' The Chief Minister further explained that Kanwar camps will be classified based on the tenting area and the number of days they operate. And committees will be eligible for a minimum grant of Rs 50,000 and a maximum of Rs 10 lakh. CM Gupta informed that 50% of the grant will be given in advance, and the remaining 50% will be released only after submission of the Utilisation Certificate (UC), verification with geo-tagged photos by SDM or Tehsildar, and complete audit documents. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
New Delhi: Kanwar committees to receive direct grant-in-aid ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 10 Lakh
New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed the media at Delhi Secretariat and shared the major policy decisions taken by the government ahead of the upcoming Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Sawan. According to an official release, CM Gupta informed that the Delhi Cabinet has approved new reforms to ensure efficient and dignified service to Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva). The Chief Minister said that Kanwar service committees will now receive direct assistance from the government. While addressing the press conference, the CM stated that Kanwar committees will now receive grant-in-aid via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ending the old tender-based system, which was prone to corruption and substandard material supply. She emphasised that, 'the move will enhance transparency and efficiency, ensuring better services for devotees. Only registered committees with valid PAN, bank details, and registration certificates will be eligible for the grant.' The Chief Minister further explained that Kanwar camps will be classified based on the tenting area and the number of days they operate. And committees will be eligible for a minimum grant of Rs 50,000 and a maximum of Rs 10 lakh. CM Gupta informed that 50% of the grant will be given in advance, and the remaining 50% will be released only after submission of the Utilisation Certificate (UC), verification with geo-tagged photos by SDM or Tehsildar, and complete audit documents. She added that grant disbursement will follow a First-Come, First-Serve principle to prioritise timely applicants. Additionally, recommendations from the local MLA/, MP and/or Ministers will be mandatory for approval of any Kanwar campsite to ensure proper planning and need-based setup. The CM also announced that this year, a group of Ministers chaired by Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, along with four MLAs, will finalise the list. A new body named 'Mukhyamantri Dharmik Utsav Smiti' will be formed soon. Furthermore, all districts will have a single-window clearance system under the supervision of District Magistrates, allowing NOCs and permits to be issued within 72 hours, making the process swift and convenient for organisers. To ensure seamless coordination, an inter-departmental meeting will be held by Secretary, Revenue cum Divisional Commissioner, involving key departments including Delhi Police, DJB, Fire Services, MCD, Health, DDA, Transport, and Power. She said that all camps will be required to maintain minimum infrastructure standards, providing waterproof tents, bedding, stages, barricading, CCTV, fans, coolers, lighting, fire extinguishers, and proper sanitation. CM Gupta also stated that every registered committee will get up to 1200 units of electricity free of charge for organising the camps. Camps will be geo-verified by SDMs or Tehsildars, and UC, along with audit reports, must be submitted within 3 months of the event. Delayed claims will not be entertained. She warned that any fraudulent activity by a committee may lead to proceedings under applicable legal provisions. Addressing traffic and safety concerns, the CM said a comprehensive plan has been prepared in consultation with all relevant agencies and police authorities. It will be ensured that pedestrian Kanwariyas face no inconvenience during their movement. Civil Defence and Home Guard volunteers will be deployed at camps to strengthen on-ground arrangements. Chief Minister affirmed that the Delhi Government is committed to 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' and is continuously working on new, reform-oriented policies. The reforms around the Kanwar Yatra reflect this very vision. She highlighted that in previous governments, the system had become mired in corruption, where a few contractors bagged all tenders and either sub-let them or failed to provide proper services. Despite crores of rupees being spent, Kanwariyas received little to no benefit. Many committees had to wait till the last moment for basic services like tents and water supply. In contrast, the current government consulted directly with Kanwar committees to understand their problems and has brought transparency, simplicity, and accountability into the process. These reforms are a major step toward eliminating corruption and ensuring direct benefits to the people. CM concluded by saying that the Kanwar Yatra is not just a religious tradition but a symbol of faith and service. CM Gupta further said, 'Our aim is to ensure every devotee receives dignity and comfort. The government will make every possible effort to support them. It is our responsibility that not even a pebble hurts the foot of a Shiva devotee.' (ANI)
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Delhi: Tony Blair meets Rekha Gupta to discuss governance, urban reforms
Chief minister Rekha Gupta met former British prime minister Tony Blair on Thursday at the Delhi Secretariat where the two discussed governance, urban development and education reforms, the chief minister's office (CMO) said in a statement. The two also discussed India-UK relations and global democratic challenges, officials added. Blair is the founder of the think tank Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI). 'The chief minister held discussions with Blair on the ongoing transformational efforts in digital governance, education, healthcare, and environmental reforms in Delhi. The chief minister shared how the Delhi government is working under the vision of a 'Viksit Dilli' to modernise education, healthcare, women empowerment, and urban infrastructure with a citizen-centric approach,' the CMO said. Gupta described the meeting as a positive experience for her government. 'The meeting was a golden opportunity for Delhi, and TBI and the Delhi government will explore ways to transform Delhi into a model city. We held discussions on administrative reforms, the use of technology, and collaborative efforts for citizen welfare,' she added. Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also met Blair, and said that Gupta and Blair discussed various services being delivered through NGOs by Blair. 'The CM shared a booklet highlighting the government's achievements in just 100 days. Blair was surprised by the scale and speed of progress over the 100 days, remarking that other governments should take inspiration from how Indian state governments are performing,' he added. 'Blair also shared his experiences in governance during his tenure as British PM, the changes he brought and how five-six projects were highlighted. Blair expressed interest in Delhi's rapid roll out of health services and said he looks forward to seeing them on his next visit,' Sirsa said.
