Rekha Gupta Embraces Leadership Role with Decisive Changes
Rekha Gupta, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Delhi, has made a striking entrance into office with a series of bold decisions that set her apart from her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, and the former AAP government. On her just the first day, Gupta showcased her intent to steer the capital in a different direction.
In a clear move to distance herself from the AAP administration's policies and practices, Gupta dismissed all co-terminus staff appointed under former Chief Minister Kejriwal and other ministers. She instructed these staff members to return to their original departments immediately. This action signals a fresh start and marks a decisive departure from the previous regime.
Pushing Forward Health Reforms and Accountability
Gupta wasted no time prioritizing healthcare reforms by implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme with an added top-up of ₹5 lakh for comprehensive health coverage. Such a move hints at bolstering healthcare provisions and ensuring that the residents of Delhi have better access to quality medical services.
During her first cabinet meeting, she also addressed transparency and accountability concerns by ordering the pending 14 CAG reports to be tabled in the Assembly's upcoming session. This act reflects her commitment to ensuring that the government remains answerable and transparent about its financial dealings.
Urban infrastructure development is another area Gupta is eyeing for improvement. She has scheduled meetings with officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to discuss the condition of the city's roads and water supply systems. These discussions are expected to pave the way for substantial improvements in Delhi's infrastructure.
One of Gupta’s symbolic gestures was performing a Yamuna aarti. This highlights her dedication to addressing the capital's perennial water issues and underscores the BJP's campaign emphasis on water conservation and the Yamuna cleanup.
Gupta's council of ministers, including Parvesh Singh Verma and Kapil Mishra, are yet to receive their department assignments, indicating that her government is still in the early stages of shaping its administrative structure.
The BJP's choice to appoint Rekha Gupta stems from her grassroots background and the party's aim to address gender and Vaishya representation effectively. Her leadership style is expected to mirror the core values and promises of the BJP.
Meanwhile, the transitioning outgoing Chief Minister, Atishi, has called on Gupta to honor the BJP's pledge to provide ₹2,500 per month to women, urging its fulfillment by March 8. This could pose an early challenge for Gupta's administration as it navigates budgetary and implementation issues surrounding campaign promises.
Rekha Gupta's initial actions indicate that she is ready to break from the past and chart a new path for Delhi, with healthcare, infrastructure, and transparent governance at the forefront of her agenda.
