CM Rekha interacts with Delhi’s youth
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a special interactive programme, ‘Lunch with Rekha Gupta’, with Delhi’s youth on Sunday. During this informal interaction, she listened to the ideas, suggestions, and aspirations of the young participants and highlighted their crucial role in building a developed Delhi.
She also presented a report card of her government’s work over the past 11 months and outlined a comprehensive roadmap for a developed Delhi. Around 30 young citizens from Delhi participated in the programme.
Referring to January 12, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the chief minister said the day symbolises the energy, ideas and responsibility of the youth. She urged young people to remain in continuous dialogue with the Government through complaints, suggestions and constructive criticism. She encouraged the youth to share their views on the Government’s performance over the past 11 months, raise questions, and highlight areas where adequate work was not carried out in earlier years. She also invited them to articulate how they envision Delhi’s development over the next 11 years.
During the discussion, youth participant Prafful Garg raised questions regarding Delhi’s biggest challenge-the garbage mountains at Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla. Responding in detail, the Chief Minister explained that earlier the bio-mining capacity was limited, allowing only 10-11 thousand metric tonnes of waste to be processed daily. After her government assumed office, bio-mining capacity has been tripled to 30-35 thousand metric tonnes per day through drone surveys, time-bound deadlines, and expansion of machinery.
Approximately 45 acres of land freed from garbage mountains have been planted with bamboo, which serves as a major source of oxygen and strengthens soil stability. She clarified that there is no gap between the Government’s goals and implementation, and that the Government has set a target to completely eliminate two major garbage mountains by the end of 2026.
Several social media content creators and social activists also participated in the dialogue, including Sandeep Chahal, Aniket Singh, Manojnya Tiwari, Sarthak Bhagat, Akshat Mishra, and Rishabh Kumar.
They urged the Chief Minister to organize more such programmes to ensure that youth voices reach the corridors of power and that Gen Z is actively involved in policy formulation and implementation. During the interaction, Harteerath Singh Ahluwalia raised questions related to street dogs and animal welfare. The Chief Minister responded by stating that every living being has the right to live on this earth and that the Delhi Government does not believe in any form of cruelty towards animals. All actions are being taken strictly in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. She informed that the Government has revitalized 17 veterinary hospitals, enhanced staff and facilities, and partnered with NGOs for sterilization and vaccination to ensure harmony between animals and society. During the programme, Riya Upreti asked the Chief Minister about her daily routine. The Chief Minister shared that after assuming office, the distinction between day and night nearly disappears.
Her day begins at around 5.30-6.00 am, starting with study, review of pending files, and yoga/exercise. She then attends phone calls and reaches her office by around 8:30–9:00 am. She meets citizens daily and remains engaged in policy meetings, file work, and administrative responsibilities at the Delhi Secretariat. She further explained that she remains in office till late evening and returns home around 10.30-11.00 pm after attending social engagements. During the interaction, Manavendra Chauhan also raised questions related to mental health and schools, which the Chief Minister addressed in detail.
At the conclusion of the programme, the Chief Minister appealed to the youth, stating that solutions to every problem in Delhi lie in public participation.
