Rural areas key to developed Capital: Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh
Delhi’s rural areas will play a key role in achieving the goal of a developed capital, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh said on Saturday. He announced a series of infrastructure, connectivity and sports-led initiatives aimed at bridging the long-standing urban-rural divide.
The minister said a new community centre building, along with other development works, will be constructed at Poonth Kalan in Bawana at a cost of Rs 7.79 crore. He said the Delhi Rural Development Board has been revived and will implement 776 development projects worth Rs 1,715 crore. In addition, infrastructure works worth around Rs 700 crore are being undertaken in rural areas and JJ clusters, along with benefits under the SC Basti Improvement Scheme.
Highlighting connectivity as a priority, the minister said rural Delhi will benefit from expanded bus services and Metro connectivity, following the development of the Urban Extension Road. The objective, he said, is to ensure last-mile connectivity across villages and peripheral areas, improving access to education, healthcare and employment.
Singh said welfare schemes such as Atal Canteens for nutrition and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for primary healthcare are being extended to rural areas. He also claimed a change in governance culture over the past 11 months, stating that citizens and public representatives now have direct access to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Sports infrastructure is another focus area, the minister said, announcing plans for a sports stadium and a sports university in Delhi. Addressing athletes at the Delhi Masters Athletics Meet in Bawana, he said these initiatives would help rural youth gain national and international recognition.
He added that the Delhi government’s decision to award prize money of Rs 7 crore, Rs 5 crore and Rs 3 crore for Olympic and Paralympic gold, silver and bronze medallists, respectively, has boosted athlete morale.
