CM unveils new initiatives for gig workers, slum dwellers

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday unveiled new initiatives to improve conditions for gig workers and slum dwellers, including rest centres with food facilities and permanent housing for 717 families in Savda Ghevra.

The decisions were taken at the 35th board meeting of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board held at the Secretariat. The meeting focused on slum rehabilitation, the welfare of labourers, and the strengthening of basic infrastructure across the city.

The Chief Minister said the Government’s priority is to ensure dignified housing, access to food, and better living conditions for vulnerable sections. She said the administration is working towards building an inclusive system that supports workers and those in need.

A major announcement was the plan to create dedicated resting centres for gig workers and labourers. These facilities will be integrated with Atal Canteens and will provide food, rest, and essential services at one location. In some places, separate urinal facilities will also be developed for gig workers.

Officials will identify suitable sites for these centres. The Chief Minister conceived the idea through interactions with gig workers, and policymakers have now incorporated it into planning.

The meeting also approved changes in the Atal Canteen scheme. A total of 100 canteens and distribution centres will be reorganised to improve service delivery. Revised timings have been set, with lunch to be served from 10.30 am to 2 pm and dinner from 6 pm to 9.30 pm. To streamline operations, agencies will be given additional user access for monitoring systems. Data collected through facial recognition systems will be stored for a limited period of one month.

On the housing front, the board cleared the allotment of Economically Weaker Section flats in Savda Ghevra to 717 slum dwellers. Among them, 528 beneficiaries fall in the eligible category, while 189 are classified as ineligible but are still included under the plan.

These beneficiaries belong to Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp, and DID Camp in the Race Course area.

In addition, 221 beneficiaries from four previously cleared slum clusters will also be allotted flats in the same area. Officials said the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will provide financial assistance of Rs 1.12 lakh per beneficiary. Each beneficiary will have to deposit Rs 30,000 towards maintenance within three months.

The board also approved several infrastructure and repair projects. These include repairing 1,060 flats in Sultanpuri and making multiple housing units in Dwarka Sector 16 B habitable. Work will also be undertaken to improve roads, parks, sewer systems, and pathways for around 7,400 flats in Bhalswa.

In an administrative decision, the financial approval limit of the DUSIB Chief Executive Officer has been increased from Rs 3 crore to Rs 10 crore. This step is expected to speed up project execution and reduce delays. The tenure of agencies managing shelter homes has been extended till May 31, 2026, or until new agencies are appointed.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to prepare a detailed report on DUSIB’s work over the past year. The report will assess the impact of schemes, track progress, and identify gaps. She stressed that all initiatives must be implemented in a time-bound and transparent manner. The focus, she said, should be on ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients on the ground. “The goal is not just to roll out schemes, but to make sure they translate into real change,” the Chief Minister said.

The measures are part of a broader effort by the Delhi Government to address long-standing urban challenges and improve the quality of life for slum dwellers, workers, and other vulnerable groups.

CM Rekha said the government’s priority is to ensure dignified housing, access to food, and better living conditions for vulnerable sections.