Govt. agencies must coordinate to get rid of city's garbage: CM
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday emphasised that full coordination among all government agencies is needed to achieve a garbage-free Capital as she took part in an ongoing month-long cleanliness drive in the Timarpur area of north Delhi.
The 'Dilli Ko Kude Se Azaadi' campaign seeks to mobilise citizens across the Capital to take collective responsibility for their surroundings and improve urban sanitation. Ms. Gupta also announced the launch of the upcoming 'Swachhata Challenge' aimed at deepening community engagement and inspiring public participation through the involvement of prominent personalities and celebrities.
'The initiative will symbolically begin with the nomination of 78 citizens to mark the 78th year of India's independence. Each nominee will further nominate five more individuals, creating a multiplying network of cleanliness champions,' she said. Celebrities will also be enlisted to boost the campaign's visibility and motivate people, especially the youth. 'The spirit of public participation lies at the heart of our mission,' Ms. Gupta said.
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Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt won't humour gallows claim, Oppn refuses to yield
In a high-voltage session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, chief minister Rekha Gupta launched a stinging attack on the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over what she alleged was a 'fabricated and disgraceful' attempt to distort history by allegedly falsely labelling a part of the Assembly complex as a 'Phansi Ghar' (execution chamber). Delhi Legislative assembly speaker Vijender Gupta led a guided media tour of the space on Wednesday, showing old blueprints from the National Archives that mark the room as a lift shaft. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo) Gupta ordered an inquiry and a first information report to look into the matter and said that ₹1.04 crore of public funds were allegedly spent on constructing and promoting the site, and the money must be recovered. She demanded that the structure at the centre of the debate be removed before the All India Speakers' Conference, which is set to take place at the Assembly complex on August 24–25. Addressing the House, she accused former CM Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating an elaborate political spectacle to gain public sympathy. 'There is no history, no document, no evidence that proves any part of this building ever served as a gallows. Kejriwal wore the mask of patriotism and sacrifice while misleading people with a staged drama,' Gupta said. The alleged 'Fansi Ghar' was unveiled by the AAP government in 2022. But Gupta cited historical records that show the Assembly building, constructed in 1912, served as the venue for the Imperial Legislative Council from 1913 to 1926. She said the area in question was merely a service shaft used to deliver tiffins of food to British officers and never intended or used for executions. She said the real site of Delhi Jail, where executions did take place during the British Raj, was located at the present-day Maulana Azad Medical College. 'To falsely inscribe such a claim within a constitutional institution is not just misleading, it is an insult to martyrs who actually gave their lives for the country,' she added. Gupta insisted that the structure and the signage be removed before hosting national dignitaries at the upcoming conference. 'We cannot afford to present a falsified history to the nation's lawmakers,' she said. Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta also denounced the installation, and said, 'There was never any 'Fansi Ghar' here. What we see is a colonial-era lift shaft used to deliver food. That's all.' He led a guided media tour of the space, showing old blueprints from the National Archives that mark the room as a lift shaft. He said the Assembly building, designed by British architect E Montague Thomas and built under contractor Faqir Chand, was completed in just eight months in 1912. 'The Assembly has a rich history, even Mahatma Gandhi attended three sessions here. Crores were spent promoting a false narrative that undermines this institution's legacy,' he said, holding up a April 7, 1931 edition of Hindustan Times that reported on Gandhi's visit. 'Crores of rupees were spent on this false narrative. This is not just a waste of public money. It undermines the sanctity of this institution,' he said. Meanwhile, the AAP hit back, accusing the BJP government of using the Assembly as a platform for theatrics while neglecting urgent public issues. Leader of Opposition Atishi said, 'For three days, the BJP has hijacked Assembly proceedings to obsess over a staircase. Meanwhile, rising crime, illegal demolitions, inflated school fees, and vehicle deregistration are all being ignored.' She said the BJP government was deliberately avoiding accountability and turning the Assembly into a stage for political theatre. 'If the BJP is serious about history, they should form a committee of historians and archaeologists. Not a single person here is qualified to speak on this topic. The Assembly is meant to address real issues affecting the people, not indulge in distractions,' she added. Atishi said AAP MLAs were being silenced and evicted when they tried to raise public concerns. 'Why won't this government talk about jhuggi demolitions, school fee hikes, or the registration cancellation of old vehicles? Every time we raise these matters, we are thrown out of the House,' she said. She also cited writings by Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, who documented in the context of the 1857 revolt that the British had executed Indians not only in jails but also in other hidden sites like offices and school buildings. 'Despite this, the BJP seems more interested in defending colonial narratives than confronting real governance challenges,' she said. The origins of the 'Fansi Ghar' claim go back to 2021 when then Speaker Ram Niwas Goel announced the discovery of an underground tunnel connecting the Assembly with the Red Fort. In 2022, the AAP government inaugurated the alleged execution chamber, claiming it was used during British rule. Professional historians who attended Wednesday's session from the visitors' gallery also rejected the claim. Professor in the department of history with the Delhi UniversityManisha Chaudhary, said, 'The layout map from the National Archives demarcates this area as a lift. Also, structurally, for hanging a person, you have to take them to the top and make them stand on a platform before that does not seem to be there. Also, it is very unlikely that executions would be allowed in full view at a public space where elected representatives are holding discussions,' said Chaudhary. She explained that typically a 'Fansi Ghar' or execution space is located close to a jail so that the prisoners do not need to be taken far, considering the safety. 'All such places also maintain elaborate manuals and records of the hanging, details of the prisoner and the executioner, hanging orders, a doctor who confirms death and details of the officers present,' Chaudhary said.
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
From Vedic roots to modern silhouettes: India's handloom heritage in spotlight
India's handloom heritage was in the spotlight on Wednesday as the Delhi government marked the National Handloom Day with 'Vastra Katha' — a curated fashion show that brought together designers, policymakers, and weavers on one platform. Organised by the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board at the The Ashok Hotel, the event highlighted the cultural, economic and environmental significance of the country's handloom sector as the government pledged support for the future of the sector. The evening began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. She had earlier announced the allocation of Rs 50 crore for handloom and artisan welfare. 'Love for the country can be shown not only by standing at the border and firing a gun, but also by wearing clothes woven with the threads of the country,' she said. 'From Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, every state has a fabric that tells its own story. I proudly wear handloom sarees from different states and I want all sisters of Delhi to join me in embracing our culture,' the Chief Minister asserted. Bureaucrats, international dignitaries and renowned fashion designers like Gaurang Shah were in attendance. A 'Rainbow Revolution'— the handloom movement that now colours global couture with its threads — is how Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa described the event. The opening presentation — 'Khadi: Ek Daivik Vardan' — by students of Satyam Fashion Institute visually evoked the idea of khadi as sacred and timeless, with performers dressed as sages and figures from Vedic lore. What followed was a multi-segment showcase of India's textile diversity. 'Bharat – Vividhta Mein Ekta' featured handlooms from Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in a tribute to the freedom movement. The vibrance of Punjab took centre stage in 'Punjab Da Rang, Khushiyan Da Sang', where models walked the ramp in brightly coloured traditional attire. 'Delhi Marches Ahead with Handloom Office Wears' reimagined handloom for modern office wear, emphasising everyday utility. The show also spotlighted regional craftsmanship through Banarasi Shringar, designed by Shivam Arts Exports from Varanasi, which brought wedding wear to the ramp — lehenga set, sarees and sherwanis in rich weaves. 'Opulence Through Threads', by students of Satyam Fashion Institute, celebrated intricate floral threadwork on Khadi wear. The 'Nine Yards Wonder' segment drew attention to sarees from states including West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The finale — 'Khadi Handloom Goes International — presented by designer Samant Chauhan showcased global designs reimagined in Khadi. Speaking at the event, Sirsa described handloom as a force that goes beyond aesthetics. 'This is the vision of our Chief Minister, who wants to take the handloom to every home in the country as a fashion icon,' he said. With government action aligning with cultural celebration, Vastra Katha positioned the handloom not just as heritage — but as a vital part of India's future, said organisers.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Delhi to host all India speakers' conference on August 24–25
Delhi will host the All India Speakers' Conference on August 24 and 25 at the Delhi Legislative Assembly complex, chief minister Rekha Gupta announced on Wednesday. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta addresses during Monsoon session of Delhi legislative Assembly at Delhi Vidhansabha on Wednesday. (HT Photo) The conference is expected to see participation from around 60 speakers and deputy speakers of state legislative assemblies and legislative councils from across the country, Gupta said during Assembly proceedings. She also reiterated her demand for the removal of the controversial 'gallows room' memorial before the event. The memorial, which was inaugurated by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in 2022, has become the centre of a political and historical dispute, with Gupta alleging it misrepresents the Assembly's legacy. 'All invited dignitaries will be accorded the status of state guests, and special arrangements are being made for them,' Gupta said, adding that the Delhi government is committed to ensuring 'a warm and dignified welcome for all delegates.' The Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat has been tasked with coordinating and facilitating all protocol-related responsibilities. These include reception, accommodation, transport, and other hospitality requirements 'in accordance with their official status,' the chief minister added.
