Mumbai, Oct. 30 -- Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government plans to install 100,000 smart streetlights and 50,000 CCTV cameras to improve women's safety across the city. She made the announcement while inaugurating the Centenary Academic Building, Computer Centre and Skill Development Centre at Daulat Ram College, Delhi University (DU), on Tuesday.
Gupta said the smart streetlights would be connected to a Control and Command Centre. The system would allow authorities to identify faulty lights and ensure that repairs were completed within a stipulated timeframe. Planning was also underway for the installation of 50,000 new CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance.
The chief minister said women's safety required broader social responsibility and should not rest solely on women. She called for changes in societal attitudes, including teaching boys and men to respect women instead of placing restrictions on girls. She also urged students to speak up against harassment and intimidation.
Recalling her association with Daulat Ram College, Gupta said her public life began when she became general secretary of the college students' union. She said her experience in student politics helped her understand people's problems and shaped her efforts to address issues affecting the wider public.
Gupta also emphasised the importance of technical education and practical skills, saying education should prepare young people for life and help them become self-reliant. During her visit, she inspected the faculty reading room, seminar room, Shri Ramalaya in the library, and the campus recycling and bakery units. She discussed renovating the college auditorium and assured the institution of her cooperation.
The chief minister launched the Miss DRC Talent Hunt to encourage students to display their abilities and participate in extracurricular activities. Students from the Mahila Vikas Samiti demonstrated self-defence techniques, which Gupta said could help girls prepare for difficult situations while building confidence and courage.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.