The Social Welfare Committee of the Chandigarh UT Administration has recommended the introduction of evening outpatient department (OPD) services at healthcare centres in rural areas. The committee, chaired by former MP Satya Pal Jain, observed that evening OPDs are already operational at Sector 16 and Manimajra hospitals and will soon be launched at dispensaries in Sectors 22 and 45. The panel urged the UT Administration to prioritise evening OPDs in rural, slum, and economically weaker sections of society.
Mazdoor Bhawan and Missing Children
The committee also recommended the construction of Mazdoor Bhawan at the site of Labour Chowk in Sector 44. Additionally, it called on police authorities to trace nine children who have gone missing from Chandigarh, emphasising the need for urgent action.
Senior Citizens' Home and Pension Revision
The committee proposed establishing a senior citizens' home near Snehalaya in Maloya, where orphaned children currently reside. The panel believes that co-locating elderly and children could foster mutual support and fill gaps in each other's lives. Furthermore, the committee asked the UT Administration to take up the revision of old-age pension with the Central Government, aiming to increase the benefit to Rs 2,000 per month in Chandigarh.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Chandigarh Police, Municipal Corporation, Town Planning Department, and the office of the UT Chief Engineer.
