New Delhi

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced that Home Minister Amit Shah will launch 24 Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) at fire-prone locations across Delhi and a new scheme providing ₹6,000 monthly assistance to caregivers of persons with disabilities to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on Wednesday.

Ms. Gupta said the new financial assistance scheme will fall under the Department of Social Welfare. Persons with at least 40% disability and certified as having "High Support Needs" (scoring between 60 and 100 by the district-level Assessment Board) will be eligible.

Beneficiaries will receive the amount directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts each month, covering costs such as caregiving, physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy, psychological counselling, and assistive devices.

"This initiative is dedicated to persons with disabilities. We aim to provide not just resources but dignity, security, and emotional support. The scheme ensures they are seen as active and respected citizens, not merely subjects of compassion," the CM said.

Firefighting fleet

On fire safety, an official stated that the Delhi Fire Services has integrated advanced Ultra High-Pressure Pump Extinguishing Systems into compact XL6 vehicles, enhancing their ability to tackle urban emergencies.

The 24 QRVs - procured at a total cost of about ₹8.61 crore, including vehicles and specialised equipment - will be stationed in key areas such as Janakpuri, Najafgarh, Vasant Kunj, Rohini Sector 16, Jahangirpuri, Lajpat Nagar, Geeta Colony, and Paharganj. As part of the celebrations, Ms. Gupta released a special song titled 'Namo Pragati Delhi - From Children's Voices to the Nation's Voice'. Over 400 students contributed to its creation, recording, and performance.

Children's song

Extending greetings to the Prime Minister, Ms. Gupta said, "On behalf of myself and all residents of Delhi, I extend heartfelt birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. May God's blessings continue to be upon you and, through you, upon all of India." She praised the children's performance, calling the song "a manifestation of the nation's collective sentiment, beautifully expressed through young voices".

The Chief Minister and her Cabinet will take part in celebrations at India Gate on Wednesday morning. Later, at a function at Thyagraj Stadium, the Home Minister will inaugurate around 15 projects, including 101 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, five new hospital blocks, and 150 dialysis centres.

The morning programme titled 'Thank You Modiji' will feature a blood donation camp, an exhibition, and a 'Sewa Sankalp Walk' at Kartavya Path.

As part of the government's Sewa Pakhwada (fortnight of service) initiative from September 17 to October 2, the Delhi government will also launch several other projects to mark the occasion.

Monthly aid scheme, fire-safety vehicles to be unveiled on PM's birthday: CM