New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated Sushma Bhawan, a newly constructed working women’s hostel block developed by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), on Friday. He also virtually inaugurated a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in Moti Bagh, New Delhi. The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, V K Saxena, and Member of Parliament from New Delhi, Bansuri Swaraj.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah paid tribute to the late Sushma Swaraj, after whom the hostel is named. He lauded her as a symbol of women’s empowerment, highlighting her impactful role as a leader, an opposition figure, and a transformative External Affairs Minister. “Sushma Ji’s legacy is a beacon of inspiration for women across India,” Shah remarked.
He emphasized her pivotal contributions, from exposing corruption scandals during her tenure as Leader of Opposition to addressing citizens’ concerns with compassion and efficiency as Minister of External Affairs in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Sushma Bhawan offers safe accommodation for approximately 500 working women, marking a significant step in addressing urban housing needs. Shah commended this initiative as a reflection of PM Modi’s vision for urban development and inclusivity.
The Union Home Minister highlighted the transformative urban development initiatives undertaken by the Modi government since 2014. He underlined the integration of global-standard facilities, e-governance, and sustainability into urban policies. Key highlights included:
- Expansion of metro networks to over 1,000 km.
- Promotion of electric vehicles and the PM Surya Ghar Yojana for solar energy.
- Implementation of the Smart Cities Mission to ensure equitable growth through data-driven urban planning.
- Establishment of Integrated Command and Control Centres powered by AI for enhanced urban security.
- Initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Urban Waste Management Policy, and Green Energy Projects to prioritize cleanliness and environmental conservation.
Shah highlighted infrastructure projects worth ₹68,000 crores executed in Delhi over the past decade, including:
- Delhi-Meerut Expressway, reducing travel time to 45 minutes.
- Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor and Eastern Peripheral Expressway.
- Development of Yashobhoomi Convention Center and Bharat Mandapam, enhancing Delhi’s profile as a global city.
He also mentioned the government’s commitment to empowering the underprivileged through initiatives like the PM SVANidhi Yojana, providing ownership rights to 40 lakh people, and constructing 29,000 houses under PM Awas Yojana-Urban.
Taking a swipe at opposition governance, Shah raised questions about alleged mismanagement of resources, including the construction of a “Sheesh Mahal” at a cost of ₹45 crores. He urged accountability, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing development over extravagant expenditures.
Amit Shah reiterated the Modi government’s commitment to creating a long-term roadmap for Indian cities, integrating sustainability, inclusivity, and technological innovation. “By aligning development with future needs, we are paving the way for Indian cities to emerge as global leaders,” he concluded.