Memorandum of Demands for Immediate Redressal: Chandigarh Pradesh Congress President H. S. Lucky Presents Critical Issues to Governor Banwari Lal Purohit  

The Voice of Chandigarh:

H.S. Lucky, President of Chandigarh Pradesh Congress, met with His Excellency Governor of Punjab cum Administrator of U.T., Chandigarh, Banwari Lal Purohit, to present a comprehensive Memorandum/Charter of Demands. The memorandum highlighted urgent issues affecting the city’s residents and requested immediate attention through administrative action or the convening of the Administrator’s Advisory Council.

1. Regularization of Housing: Residents in Housing Board dwellings, Marla houses, and labour colonies are distressed by arbitrary demolition orders for what are essential modifications. Chandigarh Congress advocates for the regularization of all such modifications in consultation with stakeholders and urges the withdrawal of current demolition notices. Additionally, outdated building by-laws require immediate revision by an expert committee.
2. Property Rights and Taxes: Granting ownership rights to colony residents and freezing monthly charges are critical, alongside clarifying the interpretation of the Supreme Court order on property registrations. Moreover, the Chandigarh Congress demands fair property tax assessments and waivers in accordance with resolutions passed by the Municipal Corporation.
3. Infrastructure and Development: The memorandum stresses on holistic development of villages to match urban standards, including regularization of structures and provision of essential services like water connections outside Lal Dora areas. It also calls for upgrading existing dispensaries to 50-bed hospitals and expedient construction of the sanctioned 100-bed hospital in Maloya.
4. Economic Measures: The demand to convert leaseholds to freeholds for industrial and commercial plots aims to attract investment and streamline operations. Implementing the MSME Act is crucial to support small and medium enterprises, while a one-time settlement scheme for VAT and GST cases seeks to reduce litigation and support taxpayers.
5. Employment and Social Welfare: Chandigarh Congress advocates for curtailing contractual employment in government departments and regularizing existing contractual employees. The memorandum also calls for an increase in old age and widow pensions to improve living standards for vulnerable populations.
6. Local Development: Addressing local concerns, the memorandum highlights the need for additional parking spaces in Manimajra, the establishment of a degree college, and the improvement of public amenities like bus stand relocation and construction of bus queue shelters.
7. Cultural and Religious Concerns: Urging an immediate halt to notices issued to religious structures, Chandigarh Congress emphasizes the need for an amicable resolution and regularization of these important community assets.

Governor Banwari Lal Purohit assured a thorough review and empathetic consideration of these pressing issues affecting Chandigarh. The proactive stance taken by Chandigarh Pradesh Congress aims to safeguard the interests and welfare of all residents, promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth across the city and its surrounding areas.