Gang-rape incident a blot on history: Sheila Dikshit

New Delhi  :  Terming the Dec 16 gang-rape in a bus as a blot on Delhi history, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Friday asked the central government to make Delhi Police more responsive and vigilant.

“The government is sensitive to the needs of every section of society, including women. The Dec 16 gang-rape incident is a blot on history.

The Delhi government has asked the central government to make Delhi Police more responsive and vigilant to ensure proper safety and security of citizens, especially women,” Dikshit said at a Republic Day eve function at the Chhatrasal Stadium in north Delhi.

Talking about women-centric initiatives, Dikshit said that 140 gender resource centres have been concentrating on women empowerment by imparting training to them.

About the traffic situation in the capital, Dikshit said: “The traffic situation in Delhi has eased substantially with 75 new flyovers. Commissioning of a bridge across the Yamuna in the next few months would further ease traffic.”

“The commissioning of Signature Bridge would take Delhi into an era of smooth driving without any waiting and waste of time and substantial savings in fuel. The extension of the Barapullah Road (in east Delhi) would provide relief to intra-city traffic and be a boon for interstate traffic,” she added.

She also announced that a swanky Kashmere Gate Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) will be commissioned soon.

Speaking about public transport in the national capital, Dikshit said the government is committed to provide a safe, secure, comfortable, fast, convenient and affordable public transport system.

“We are keen to enhance our public transport. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has been ferrying more than 162 crore people each year. We will increase the bus fleet to 11,000,” she said.

She added that Delhi Metro has been catering to two million passengers daily. “The new monorail will supplement the existing Metro, which is being expanded by an additional 140 km under Phase-III,” she said.

Listing the achievements of her government, Dikshit said: “The Delhi government is releasing monthly pension up to Rs.1,500 to widows, aged persons and handicapped people. Delhi is also the first union territory to give pension to HIV/AIDS affected people. More than four lakh elderly are getting pension regularly.”

Pointing out this was the 15th time that she would unfurl the tricolour in Delhi on the Republic Day, Dikshit said people of city have shown faith in her government and elected her for three consecutive terms.

Dikshit’s speech was preceded by a parade by Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service, Home Guards, civil defence, NCC and school children.

File Photo : AFP