New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was seen in a different role during her visit to Mukherjee Nagar, one of the national capital’s major educational hubs. With no formal stage or lengthy speeches, the Chief Minister went directly among students and sat at a tea stall to listen to the concerns of young people preparing for competitive examinations.
During the surprise inspection, students raised several issues, including access to free libraries, high-paying guest (PG) accommodation costs, women’s safety, sanitation, drinking water and fire safety. The Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to take the necessary steps to address these problems.
Free Libraries to Make Exam Preparation Easier
Students told the Chief Minister that expensive library fees and irregular operating hours were affecting their studies. In response, she directed officials to identify suitable spaces in vacant plots and community buildings that could be used to establish free libraries.
The discussion also covered high rents for PG accommodation, hefty security deposits and brokerage charges. The Chief Minister said efforts were underway to improve housing facilities for students.
Special Focus on Women’s Safety
Female students raised concerns about inadequate street lighting and safety risks during the late evening hours. The Chief Minister directed officials to review streetlight and CCTV arrangements and ensure appropriate action, in accordance with the law, against vehicles using dark-tinted window films in violation of regulations.
She also emphasised the need to reopen a long-closed public toilet after developing it into a pink toilet facility.
Action on Sanitation, Drinking Water and Fire Safety
Following complaints about garbage, foul smells and poor sanitation in the lanes of Mukherjee Nagar and Nehru Vihar, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure regular cleaning.
Amid concerns that sewage water might be contaminating the drinking water supply, she directed officials to investigate the matter and review water quality.
Students also complained that loudspeakers operating at high volumes at night were disrupting their studies. The Chief Minister stressed the need to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Officials were further instructed to inspect coaching centres and libraries for fire safety compliance, safe evacuation routes and the suitability of their buildings.
Commitment to a Safe Environment for Students
The Chief Minister said that young people who come to Delhi from across the country for education are part of the capital’s extended family.
She noted that students preparing for competitive examinations would go on to become civil servants, doctors, engineers and specialists, helping strengthen the foundations of a developed India.
The government, she said, has a responsibility to provide them with a safe environment, better facilities and conditions conducive to learning.
