CM Rekha Gupta Inaugurates Centenary Academic Building, Computer Centre and Skill Development Centre at Daulat Ram College

New Delhi, 27 October 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister  Rekha Gupta on Tuesday inaugurated the Centenary Academic Building, Computer Centre and Skill Development Centre at Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi. Interacting with the students, she encouraged them to pursue their goals with confidence, courage and determination. She said the girls of Delhi should believe in their abilities and not feel intimidated by any situation, as the Delhi Government stands with them to protect their safety, dignity and rights. She emphasised that alongside modern education, technical knowledge and practical skills play an important role in making students self-reliant. The purpose of education, she said, is not merely to earn a degree but to equip young people to face life’s challenges and stand on their own feet.

The Chief Minister inspected the Faculty Reading Room, seminar room, Shri Ramalaya in the library, recycling unit and bakery unit on the college campus to learn about academic facilities, practical training and co-curricular activities. She also discussed the need to renovate the auditorium and assured the college of her cooperation. She launched the ‘Miss DRC Talent Hunt’, encouraging students to showcase their talents and come forward with confidence. Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University Prof. Yogesh Singh, Daulat Ram College Principal Prof. Savita Roy, Chairman of the college governing body Mukul Gupta, Vijay Shankar Tiwari, along with other dignitaries, faculty members and students, were present on the occasion.

As a former student of Daulat Ram College, the occasion held special emotional significance for the Chief Minister. Recalling her college days, she said her journey in public life began when she became the general secretary of the college students’ union. The responsibilities she took on during her time in student politics inspired her to understand people’s problems and work towards resolving them. She said it was a matter of satisfaction for her to now have the opportunity to address, on a much wider scale, issues she had once raised for the welfare of students.

Smart Streetlights and CCTV Cameras to Strengthen Women’s Safety in Delhi

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said work was underway to install 1 lakh smart streetlights across Delhi and connect them to a Control and Command Centre. This would help identify faulty lights immediately and ensure their repair within a stipulated timeframe, reducing dark spots and making public spaces safer. Work was also underway on a plan to install 50,000 new CCTV cameras. She said these initiatives aim to strengthen surveillance and ensure the safety of all citizens, including women. The Chief Minister stressed that the responsibility for girls’ safety should not be placed on them alone. Society needs to change its mindset and, instead of imposing restrictions on girls, teach boys and men to respect women.

Self-Defence Training to Boost Girls’ Confidence

During the programme, students of the Mahila Vikas Samiti demonstrated self-defence techniques. The Chief Minister appreciated their courage, confidence and alertness, saying self-defence training prepares girls to protect themselves in difficult situations while also building their confidence and fearlessness. Encouraging the students, she said that if anyone misbehaves with them or tries to intimidate them, they should speak up and stand up for their safety. She assured them that the Delhi Government stands with them and considers their dignity and safety its highest priority. The Chief Minister urged the students to develop the courage to make their own decisions, trust their judgement in distinguishing right from wrong, and move forward on the paths they choose with confidence.