Chief Minister Rekha Gupta returned to the college where she first learned to raise her voice and told students that the city is working to make dark streets less dark. On Tuesday, she said work is underway to install 1 lakh smart streetlights and 50,000 new CCTV cameras across Delhi to improve safety for women and all citizens.
The Chief Minister was at Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, where she inaugurated the Centenary Academic Building, Computer Centre and Skill Development Centre. She said the girls of Delhi should believe in their abilities and not feel intimidated by any situation. The Delhi Government, she said, stands with them to protect their safety, dignity and rights.
The streetlights will be connected to a Control and Command Centre. This will help identify faulty lights immediately and have them repaired within a stipulated timeframe. The aim is to reduce dark spots and make public spaces safer. Work is also underway on the plan for 50,000 new CCTV cameras, which she said will strengthen surveillance.
The Chief Minister said the responsibility for girls’ safety should not rest on them alone. Society needs to change its mindset, she said. Instead of imposing restrictions on girls, it should teach boys and men to respect women.
During the programme, students of the Mahila Vikas Samiti demonstrated self-defence techniques. The Chief Minister appreciated their courage, confidence and alertness. She said self-defence training prepares girls to protect themselves in difficult situations and builds confidence. She told the students that if anyone misbehaves with them or tries to intimidate them, they should speak up and stand up for their safety. She said the government considers their dignity and safety its highest priority.
The Chief Minister also urged the students to develop the courage to make their own decisions, trust their judgement in telling right from wrong, and move ahead on the paths they choose with confidence.
On education, she said that alongside modern learning, technical knowledge and practical skills help make students self-reliant. The purpose of education, she said, is not merely to earn a degree but to equip young people to face life’s challenges and stand on their own feet.
The Chief Minister inspected the Faculty Reading Room, seminar room, Shri Ramalaya in the library, recycling unit and bakery unit on the campus. She discussed the need to renovate the auditorium and assured the college of her cooperation. She also launched the “Miss DRC Talent Hunt,” encouraging students to show their talents with confidence.
For the Chief Minister, the visit had a personal side. She is a former student of the college. She recalled that her journey in public life began when she became general secretary of the college students’ union.