Gender Resource Centres have been set up in 43 localities to improve the status of women, taking special care of their health and training as Self Help Groups. Reduction of stamp duty on properties registered in the name of the woman of the family has been well received and has shown encouraging signs.

Slums can be an eyesore for some. To me, they are a burden on my conscience. People coming from different parts of the country are forced to live in conditions where their habitat has no municipal legitimacy, and hence they get "a step-municipal treatment". We have introduced the Rajiv Ratan Awas Yojana, a concept of low-cost housing where a dignified habitat is being made available at subsidised price to the economically weaker sections of our city.

We keep talking about Delhi as a city that is completely bereft of natural resources. I draw my strength from the one great resource Delhi has. And it is the magnificent pool of an educated, empowered and confident human resource — a pool brimming with hope. In Delhi, we can afford to dream.