Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday announced a series of major initiatives aimed at strengthening support for construction workers and accelerating development in rural areas of the capital. Speaking at a large public programme at Tyagraj Stadium, she oversaw the direct transfer of more than Rs 12.40 crore into the bank accounts of 15,706 children of registered construction workers to support their education. On the same occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated newly constructed panchayat buildings in two villages and laid the foundation stone for 59 development projects across 37 villages. These projects, with a combined estimated cost of Rs 134 crore, are expected to boost infrastructure and civic amenities in rural Delhi.

Addressing thousands of workers gathered at the venue, the Chief Minister said Delhi’s growth rests on the hard work of its labour force. “Delhi is not built only with bricks and roads; it is built by the hands of workers. Ensuring their safety, dignity and future is our priority,” she said.

The event was attended by Labour and Employment Minister Kapil Mishra, Delhi Village Development Board Chairman Rajkumar Chauhan, senior officials of the Labour Department and other public representatives. Marking the death anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the Chief Minister said the government is guided by the principle of Antyodaya—uplifting the last person in the queue. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, she added that governance, for her government, is a means of service, not privilege. She also criticised previous administrations for failing to properly utilise the cess fund collected for workers welfare. According to her, the present government has dedicated its efforts to the workers who contribute daily to the city’s growth. “Delhi can only become stronger when its workers are strong,” she said.