Chandigarh Administrator's Advisory Council Meeting Addresses Key Urban Challenges
In a significant gathering at the UT Secretariat on Saturday, the chairpersons of the Standing Committees of the Administrator's Advisory Council (AAC) convened under the leadership of UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. The meeting placed a strong emphasis on ongoing initiatives to rehabilitate beggars and trace missing children, highlighting the administration's commitment to social welfare and public safety in Chandigarh.
Law and Order Committee Advocates for Enhanced Security Measures
The Law and Order Standing Committee, chaired by Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), underscored the urgent need for robust strategies to combat cyber fraud and bolster public safety. During the session, the Director General of Police provided updates on current public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about cybercrime risks.
Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria emphasized the escalating threat posed by cyber fraud, which he noted erodes public trust and instills fear among residents. In response, he called for enhanced night patrolling and the establishment of a dedicated, well-trained cyber team to proactively address these challenges and restore confidence in the community.
Social Welfare Initiatives Take Center Stage
Chaired by Satya Pal Jain, the Social Welfare Standing Committee delved into a variety of critical issues affecting Chandigarh's residents. Key discussions included:
- Revision of pension benefits for approximately 25,000 families to ensure better financial support.
- Allocation of land for the construction of a Majdoor Bhavan to provide shelter and facilities for laborers.
- Provision of evening dispensaries to improve healthcare accessibility outside regular hours.
- Management of stray cattle to address urban nuisance and safety concerns.
Officials reported that sustained efforts are in progress to rehabilitate beggars and trace missing children. Additionally, plans are underway to upgrade the Prayas Building in Sector 38, which will strengthen the infrastructure for rehabilitation programs. Administrator Kataria suggested offering psychiatric counselling to child beggars, a move aimed at aiding their recovery, building confidence, and facilitating more comfortable sharing of their backgrounds, thereby assisting police investigations.
Environmental and Educational Concerns Reviewed
The Environment Standing Committee, led by Gian Chand Gupta, former Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, focused on pressing environmental issues. The committee advocated for:
- Strengthening waste management systems to promote cleanliness and sustainability.
- Improving construction and demolition waste handling to reduce environmental impact.
- Greater utilization of treated water to conserve resources.
- Expansion of green cover to enhance urban biodiversity.
- Control of air pollution through stricter regulations.
- Discouragement of single-use plastic to minimize pollution.
Officials noted that several initiatives have already been implemented, with others nearing completion, reflecting a proactive approach to environmental stewardship.
In the education sector, the Education Standing Committee, chaired by Jatinder Pal Malhotra, raised concerns over excessive non-teaching workloads on teachers, pending promotions, delays in decision-making, the introduction of skill-based courses, and the need to upgrade sports infrastructure. Administrator Kataria agreed to necessary improvements, while officials outlined progress under various Central government schemes aimed at enhancing educational outcomes.
Other Committees Address Diverse Urban Issues
The meeting also featured discussions from several other standing committees, each tackling specific aspects of Chandigarh's development:
- The Art, Culture, Tourism and Heritage Committee, chaired by Harmohinder Singh Lucky, called for better inter-departmental coordination to boost tourism development and promote local heritage.
- The Transportation Committee, led by Vijay Pal, deliberated on three-wheeler parking, incentives under the EV policy, cycle tracks, and employment issues related to e-buses, aiming to improve urban mobility.
- The Sports Committee, chaired by Sanjay Tandon, focused on awards and sports facilities to encourage athletic excellence.
- The Health Committee, under Dr. Raj Bahadur, reviewed delays in specialized services due to recruitment issues, seeking solutions to enhance healthcare delivery.
- The Peripheral Area Development Committee, chaired by Subhash Chawla, highlighted the need to improve city entry points and curb stray cattle from neighbouring states, addressing peripheral urban challenges.
The meeting was attended by key officials including H Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary of Chandigarh; Vivek Partap Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary; Diprava Lakra, Finance Secretary; and other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration. This comprehensive review underscores the administration's holistic approach to addressing developmental, social, and security issues in the union territory.
