Delhi CM warns of fund cuts for departments missing project deadlines

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday issued a stern warning to government departments over delays in implementing welfare schemes and said agencies failing to properly utilise allocated funds could face budget cuts in the future.

Chairing a high-level review meeting through video conference with administrative secretaries and heads of departments, Gupta directed officials to ensure transparency and complete all budget announcements within fixed timelines.

The virtual meeting was conducted while the Chief Minister worked from her residence under the Delhi government’s initiative aimed at saving fuel and resources amid global uncertainties.

‘ANNOUNCEMENTS MUST REACH PEOPLE’

Gupta told officials that the government’s priority was not merely announcing schemes but ensuring they translated into visible benefits for the public.

Departments failing to utilise funds effectively may see reductions in future budget allocations, she warned during the review.

The Chief Minister instructed departments to regularly monitor projects and continuously update progress reports. She also asked officials to upload details of pending and important projects on the PM Pragati portal on time to strengthen monitoring of development work.

MONSOON PREP UNDER SCANNER

Monsoon preparedness emerged as a major focus during the meeting, with Gupta directing departments concerned to speed up desilting operations across Delhi ahead of the rainy season.

She ordered officials to ensure cleaning and desilting of all small and large drains before the onset of rains.

According to the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office, Gupta made it clear that preventing waterlogging remained one of the government’s top priorities and warned that negligence on the issue would not be tolerated.

REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

The meeting also included discussions on biometric attendance in government departments, grievance redressal mechanisms, plantation drives and the status of ongoing development projects.

Gupta asked departments to work in coordination and deliver results within prescribed deadlines.

The Chief Minister also issued directions related to solar energy, water conservation, tree plantation and citizen-focused use of social media platforms.

CM ISSUES HEATWAVE ADVISORY

Amid rising temperatures in the capital, Gupta also appealed to residents to take precautions during the ongoing heatwave.

“Amid the scorching heat and continuously rising temperatures, my appeal to all of you is to take special care of yourself and your family, drink plenty of water, keep your body hydrated and protect yourself from the harsh sunlight,” she wrote in a post on X.

She also urged people to care for animals and birds by arranging water and shade for them during extreme weather conditions.

According to the CMO, the virtual review included a detailed assessment of budget announcements, development work and welfare schemes being implemented by the Delhi government.

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