Delhi CM Rekha Gupta pledges year-round battle against pollution, reaffirms promise of ₹2,500 monthly allowance for women

Hours after taking oath as Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta emphasized the need for a 365-day approach to tackle pollution, moving away from short-term solutions traditionally implemented before winter.

“We believe that work on pollution has to be carried out throughout the year, whether it’s dust, stubble burning, vehicular, or water pollution. Therefore, we will bring a 365-day plan,” Gupta said in an interview with a national daily.

Yamuna cleanup and water management

The BJP government, sworn in on Feb 20 expressed its determination to clean the Yamuna in a time-bound manner. Environmentalists have long criticized the reactive approach to air pollution, urging sustained efforts instead. Gupta’s remarks suggest alignment with that perspective.

With concerns over a potential water and power crisis this summer, Gupta revealed that a long-term strategy is in the works to secure additional water supply from neighboring states. “I am Haryana’s daughter too, and I will ask them for more water,” she said optimistically. Barring Punjab, all these states — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana — are ruled by the BJP, potentially easing negotiations.

Social welfare and financial reforms

On social welfare, Gupta reaffirmed the BJP’s promise of providing ₹2,500 under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, stating that the scheme would prioritize the most deprived sections. She also acknowledged concerns about Delhi’s financial health, vowing to tap additional resources and curb wastage to fund welfare programs effectively.

Dismissing suggestions of political vendettas, Gupta confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe alleged corruption under the previous AAP-led governments of Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi.

Co-terminus appointments terminated

Appointments Meanwhile in a significant administrative move, the Delhi government has terminated all co-terminus appointments made in the offices of the former Chief Minister and cabinet ministers. According to an order from the Service Department, fresh appointments will be made as per protocol following a change in leadership.

“All officers, officials, and staff deployed in diverted capacities shall be deemed relieved from their duties and must report to their respective departments with immediate effect,” the order stated. However, regular staff from DANICS, DSS, and Steno cadre will continue working under the new administration until further orders.

First cabinet meeting: Key decisions

Gupta wasted no time in implementing her agenda, chairing her first Cabinet meeting hours after taking oath at Ramlila Maidan. Among the first decisions was the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme with an additional ₹5 lakh top-up, ensuring enhanced healthcare benefits for Delhi residents.

“In our first Cabinet meeting, we discussed and passed two key agendas: implementing Ayushman Bharat in Delhi with a ₹5 lakh top-up and tabling the pending CAG reports in the first Assembly sitting. We will fulfill all our commitments to the people,” Gupta asserted.

As the new government sets its priorities, the coming months will test its ability to deliver on its promises, particularly in tackling pollution, securing resources, and ensuring financial stability for Delhi.