CM Rekha Gupta launches five-day ‘Seva & Rescue Campaign’ to rehabilitate destitute citizens across 13 districts
By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: In a major humanitarian initiative, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the ‘Seva & Rescue Campaign’ aimed at rescuing and rehabilitating homeless, sick and abandoned people living on the streets of the national capital.
Flagging off the special mission from Mukhyamantri Seva Sadan, the Chief Minister deployed 19 specially equipped ambulances, 10 support vehicles, nearly 100 staff members and 50 volunteers for the intensive five-day campaign running from May 11 to May 15 across all 13 districts of Delhi.
The campaign, being carried out jointly by the Delhi Government’s Social Welfare Department, Apna Ghar Ashram and Seva Bharti, aims to provide immediate rescue, treatment and rehabilitation support to over 300 vulnerable people living in difficult conditions.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said rescue teams would identify homeless, abandoned and critically ill people from roadsides, pavements, railway stations, bus stands, religious places and other public areas, and shift them to safe shelter homes for treatment and care.
She said rescued individuals would be accommodated at Apna Ghar Ashram, where arrangements have been made for medical treatment, nutritious food, counselling and rehabilitation. The government will also try to reunite recovered individuals with their families wherever possible.
“Serving humanity is the government’s top priority. No needy person should be deprived of assistance,” Gupta said, adding that the administration was working in coordination with police, social welfare officials and voluntary organisations to ensure dignified care for the destitute.
Officials said priority would be given to people suffering from serious illnesses such as tuberculosis, cancer and AIDS. The Ashram has made arrangements for up to 500 people, including 100 beds for women and 400 for men.
A dedicated 24×7 one-window coordination system has also been set up for smooth implementation of the campaign. In the first phase itself, around 20 people have already been rescued successfully, officials said.
