New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday urged the Centre to provide greater financial support to Delhi as the national capital does not receive a share of central taxes or grants recommended by the finance commission, as other states do.
NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting
At the 11th meeting of the governing council of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gupta said the level of central assistance to the capital should be enhanced because of its unique administrative and financial position. The CM also sought Delhi’s inclusion in the Centre’s Bhavya Yojana, aimed at promoting manufacturing industries, and proposed that the scheme be expanded to support new technologies, the services sector and non-polluting manufacturing activities.
Funds and Public Works Reforms
The chief minister also requested for the early reconciliation and release of funds lying in the balance of Delhi government’s public account. Seeking structural reforms in the public works department, Gupta proposed a separation of Delhi’s PWD engineering cadre from the central PWD. This will help speed up infrastructure projects and create a clearer chain of command within the department, she said.
Vision for Viksit Delhi
Gupta also outlined BJP govt’s vision for a Viksit Delhi and the capital’s contribution to the goal of Viksit Bharat. “Under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister and through collective effort, the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047 will certainly be achieved,” she said. The CM highlighted initiatives across education, healthcare, infrastructure, transport, women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability, while crediting the Centre for its support.
Reforms and Initiatives
Gupta said Delhi was undergoing major reforms in governance through digitisation, e-file systems and command-and-control centres. In education, she highlighted the establishment of 75 CM Shri Schools. On healthcare, she pointed to the launch of Delhi’s first Brain Health Clinic, expansion of the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and plans to provide free MRI and CT scan facilities in govt hospitals.
