New Delhi, 25 October (H.S.): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday listened to the 139th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, alongside local residents at the Municipal Councillor’s Office in Khera Kalan, Outer Delhi. Addressing the gathering after the broadcast, she described the programme as a powerful platform for inspiring the nation, promoting positivity and encouraging public participation.

CM Gupta said the Prime Minister uses simple and accessible language to highlight outstanding initiatives undertaken by ordinary citizens, social organisations and communities across different parts of the country. By bringing these efforts into the national spotlight, the programme not only recognises their contributions but also inspires others to work towards the betterment of society and the nation.

Through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, she said, the Prime Minister introduces the country’s 1.4 billion people to initiatives that are driving positive social change. Member of Parliament Yogendra Chandolia, MLA Raj Karan Khatri, several dignitaries and local residents were present on the occasion.

Highlighting the development challenges faced by villages in Delhi, the Chief Minister said that basic infrastructure issues, including damaged roads, inadequate bus services, street lighting, community gathering spaces, sewerage facilities and water pipelines, had remained neglected for years. She said work was now progressing rapidly to address these concerns.

The government’s priority, she added, was to provide villages with improved civic amenities, stronger infrastructure and development opportunities comparable to those available in urban areas. Development initiatives had gained momentum over the past year, with their impact increasingly visible on the ground.

CM Gupta said development projects worth more than Rs 400 crore had been undertaken in the Narela Assembly constituency. Local elected representatives, she added, were also working closely with residents to resolve their concerns. Projects involving roads, drinking water supply, sewerage pipelines and other essential infrastructure were part of these ongoing efforts.

Emphasising her personal connection with rural communities, the Chief Minister said she was herself a daughter of a village and understood the concerns, aspirations and emotions of rural families. The government, she said, was committed to resolving village-level problems in a phased manner and ensuring systematic, sustainable development.

CM Gupta asserted that no part of Delhi would be left behind in the development process. The government aims to expand basic amenities across the national capital and bridge the infrastructure gap between rural and urban areas.

She also said that the remaining 48 villages in Delhi had been urbanised. The government, she added, was working to ensure that development proceeded in a planned manner throughout the capital, enabling residents in every locality to access better roads, reliable water supply, sewerage networks, street lighting and other essential services.

Referring to the broader themes discussed through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, CM Gupta said the programme regularly highlights India's cultural heritage, social initiatives, science, technology, healthcare, environmental protection and nation-building. She also referred to the contributions of Maharishi Valmiki and stressed the importance of familiarising younger generations with the ideals, teachings and legacy of great figures from Indian history.

Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Delhi, the Chief Minister urged citizens to recognise and support constructive initiatives and actively contribute to making the capital cleaner and more developed.

She also extended her greetings to residents ahead of the upcoming festivals and expressed confidence that coordinated efforts by elected representatives, the administration and citizens would further accelerate development across both rural and urban areas of Delhi.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar