Delhi to get 1 lakh smart streetlights, 50,000 CCTV cameras for women's safety

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced plans to install one lakh smart streetlights and 50,000 CCTV cameras across the city to improve women's safety.Addressing students at Delhi University's Daulat Ram College, Gupta said every girl should be able to pursue her dreams without fear, adding that the government was committed to protecting their safety, dignity and rights.Gupta made the announcement while inaugurating the college's Centenary Academic Building, Computer Centre and Skill Development Centre.She said the proposed smart streetlights would be connected to a Control and Command Centre, enabling authorities to identify faulty lights and ensure their repair within a stipulated period. The government is also planning to install 50,000 new CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance across Delhi, she said. Emphasising that women's safety should be a collective responsibility, Gupta called for a change in social attitudes. Instead of imposing restrictions on girls, boys and men should be taught to respect women, she said.A former student of Daulat Ram College, Gupta recalled that her journey in public life began when she became the general secretary of the college students' union. She said her experience in student politics helped her understand people's problems and motivated her to work towards resolving them. Gupta said it was satisfying to address on a wider scale issues she had earlier raised while working for student welfare.Stressing the importance of technical education and practical skills, she said education should go beyond obtaining a degree and equip young people to face life's challenges and become self-reliant.During her visit, Gupta inspected the Faculty Reading Room, seminar room, Shri Ramalaya in the library, and the recycling and bakery units on the campus. She also discussed the need to renovate the college auditorium and assured the institution of her cooperation.The chief minister also launched the 'Miss DRC Talent Hunt', encouraging students to showcase their abilities and participate confidently in extracurricular activities.Students of the Mahila Vikas Samiti demonstrated self-defence techniques during the programme. Gupta said such training could help girls prepare for difficult situations while building confidence and courage.She urged students to speak up against harassment and intimidation, trust their judgement, make their own decisions and pursue their chosen paths without fear.Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, Daulat Ram College Principal Savita Roy, college governing body chairman Mukul Gupta, other dignitaries, faculty members and students attended the event.- Ends