Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said that the Delhi government is developing a comprehensive strategy to address the demand for one million houses for economically weaker sections (EWS) and slum dwellers across the Capital.

During a visit to EWS flats built in 2011 in Sultanpuri, which are now in a dilapidated state, Ms. Gupta stated that the government plans to renovate around 50,000 unused flats constructed under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and allocate them to slum residents.

“Our government is committed to ensuring dignified housing and a better life for slum dwellers. In the first phase, 50,000 flats will be allocated. These efforts are fully aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve of providing housing for every poor,” she said.

The CM said the government plans to relocate slum dwellers within a two-kilometre radius of these flats after carrying out necessary repairs and adding basic facilities. Ms. Gupta also directed officials to prioritise the immediate repair of salvageable units and reconstruct those beyond repair.

 Ms. Gupta blamed the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the years-long neglect of these flats. “The same parties that did nothing while in power are now making noise. Why weren’t these houses distributed before?” she said.

Responding to her remarks, AAP said if the BJP was serious about protecting slum dwellers, it should urge Central agencies to withdraw legal cases pending against slum clusters in the High Court and the Supreme Court.

Online reforms

Ms. Gupta also announced a push towards digitising governance, stating that the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has now fully transitioned to an e-office platform. “The Delhi Secretariat is already digitised. All files now move through the e-office system and are e-signed. We aim to make the entire Secretariat paperless soon,” she said, adding that digitisation has improved transparency and sped up decision-making.

According to the CMO, the e-office system saw rapid adoption in July. Of 199 departments, 119 now operate fully as e-offices, up from 22% in June. Digital file usage surged past 1.18 lakh, marking a 250% month-on-month increase.