Delhi Unveils New Aid Scheme and Fire Safety Vehicles on PM’s Birthday

On September 17, 2023, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the launch of a new monthly aid scheme alongside enhanced fire safety measures in Delhi, coinciding with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiatives include the introduction of 24 Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) aimed at improving emergency response in fire-prone areas, as well as a financial assistance program providing ₹6,000 per month to caregivers of individuals with disabilities.

New Financial Assistance Scheme

The financial assistance initiative, which falls under the Department of Social Welfare, targets caregivers of persons with a minimum of 40% disability who have been certified as having “High Support Needs” by the district-level Assessment Board. Recipients of the scheme will receive monthly payments directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. This funding is intended to cover essential services such as caregiving, physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy, psychological counselling, and necessary assistive devices.

Chief Minister Gupta emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “This initiative is dedicated to persons with disabilities. We aim to provide not just resources but dignity, security, and emotional support.” She added that the scheme is designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities are recognized as active and respected citizens rather than merely recipients of compassion.

Enhanced Fire Safety Measures

In addition to the aid scheme, the Delhi Fire Services will introduce advanced fire safety measures through the deployment of QRVs equipped with Ultra High-Pressure Pump Extinguishing Systems. These vehicles will enhance the department’s ability to respond to urban emergencies effectively.

The 24 QRVs, which cost approximately ₹8.61 crore, will be strategically stationed in key areas, including Janakpuri, Najafgarh, Vasant Kunj, Rohini Sector 16, Jahangirpuri, Lajpat Nagar, Geeta Colony, and Paharganj. This initiative aims to bolster the city’s firefighting capabilities and ensure a quicker response to incidents.

Celebrations for Prime Minister Modi’s birthday will also include cultural performances. Gupta unveiled a special song titled “Namo Pragati Delhi – From Children’s Voices to the Nation’s Voice,” featuring contributions from over 400 students. She praised the children’s efforts, describing the song as “a manifestation of the nation’s collective sentiment, beautifully expressed through young voices.”

On the morning of the Prime Minister’s birthday, Gupta and her Cabinet will partake in celebrations at India Gate. Later, the Home Minister, Amit Shah, will inaugurate approximately 15 projects at a function at Thyagraj Stadium, including 101 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, five new hospital blocks, and 150 dialysis centres.

The event, titled “Thank You Modi ji,” will feature a blood donation camp, an exhibition, and a ‘Sewa Sankalp Walk’ at Kartavya Path. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing Sewa Pakhwada, a fortnight of service running from September 17 to October 2, during which several other projects will also be launched to commemorate the occasion.