New Delhi, August 15(HS): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hoisted the national flag at the Secretariat on Friday mark the 79th Independence Day. The ceremony was attended by state government officials & police personnel.In her first Independence Day speech as Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta pledged an ambitious mission to rejuvenate the Yamuna River and transform Delhi’s infrastructure into the nation’s finest. Speaking at Chhatrasal Stadium, Gupta condemned years of neglect that had left the Yamuna polluted and unveiled a time-bound action plan focused on decentralized sewage treatment plants to restore the river’s vitality.

The CM emphasized a commitment to delivering clean, piped water across the city—from slums and unauthorized colonies to affluent neighborhoods—addressing a long-standing gap that previous administrations failed to close. She highlighted ongoing efforts to improve road conditions and resolve waterlogging woes, reflecting rapid progress in urban management.

Gupta announced welfare initiatives including the establishment of a gig workers’ board, housing for slum residents, and crèche facilities for working women. On education, she celebrated the recent bill curbing arbitrary private school fee hikes and promised laptop distributions and talent hunts to foster student excellence.

Pushing for sports development, Gupta revealed plans to offer the highest prize money in India for athletes and provide government job opportunities to encourage youth participation.

In health, she underscored swift implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, with over 4.5 lakh enrollments and the launch of 166 neighborhood clinics. Committed to transparent governance and efficient public fund utilization, Gupta assured Delhiites of holistic progress spanning transport, sanitation, education, and ease of doing business, vowing to lead the city confidently into a prosperous future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar