Speech of Sh. Nitin Kumar Yadav, Adviser to the Administrator for the 75th Republic Day
Distinguished guests and respected citizens,
On this momentous 75th Republic Day, gathered at the Parade Ground in Chandigarh, let us not only celebrate our democratic values but also reflect on the rich tapestry of our history. Republic Day is a testament to the day in 1950 when our Constitution came into effect, marking the beginning of a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The Constitution of India, a living document, not only grants us our fundamental rights but also places on us the responsibility to uphold the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Let me take a moment to pay tribute to the stalwarts who shaped our democratic foundations and remember the commitment of leaders who envisioned a prosperous and harmonious India.
Chandigarh, where tradition and modernity gracefully coalesce, is a symbol of India’s resilience and adaptability. In envisioning the future of Chandigarh, we aspire to craft a city that seamlessly blends urban infrastructure and planning with a transformative shift from grey to green. Emphasizing sustainable practices, our vision centers around building a cityscape that not only meets the demands of a modern society but also nurtures the environment it thrives in. The backbone of this vision lies in a robust transport and mobility system designed to enhance connectivity and reduce the ecological footprint.
In our pursuit of a sustainable Chandigarh, we are committed to implementing comprehensive strategies for environmental conservation and climate action. Our goal is to turn Chandigarh into a model city that demonstrates how urban development can coexist harmoniously with nature. Green spaces, eco-friendly initiatives, and climate-resilient infrastructure are integral components of our blueprint for the city.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, the distinguished Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, for his invaluable guidance and unwavering support. Under his leadership, we have embarked on transformative initiatives aimed at fostering the city’s growth and development. His commitment to the well-being of our citizens has been a driving force behind our collective progress.
The recently organized Viksit Bharat Yatra showcased the city’s commitment to growth and transformation. Under this Yatra, Chandigarh pioneered efforts to ensure that every citizen benefits from welfare schemes. We have almost achieved saturation in all these schemes, and the people of the city have reaped significant benefits. The city has also earned national acclaim for initiatives in energy conservation, smart city endeavors, environmental sustainability, and citizen-centric services.
I am deeply grateful to Sh. Amit Shah, the Hon’ble Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, who inaugurated several development projects and laid foundation stones, emphasizing the government’s dedication to creating a vibrant and sustainable urban landscape. In housing, the completion of more than 700 houses in Armed Police Complex, Dhanas, with an additional numbers to be finished by March 2024, signifies a substantial reduction in the waiting time for police personnel. The education sector has witnessed successful completion of projects, including an Administrative Block and Workshop at Punjab Engineering College, an extension of the Himalaya Boys Hostel, and ongoing efforts for boys and girls hostels at various educational institutions. Additionally, plans are underway for the construction of seven new Government School Buildings in the year 2024-25, ensuring that our students have access to modern and conducive learning spaces. Our commitment extends across sports, urban infrastructure, and health, including the completion of a state-of-the-art Synthetic Track, mini sports infrastructure, bus queue shelters, and a Sewerage Treatment Plant.
From Water Supply to Waste Water Utilization, advanced technology integration in school education to scientific disposal of solid waste, our teams are setting new standards in urban development. The Integrated Command and Control Centre project has brought substantial benefits in the areas of door-to-door garbage collections, service-level monitoring of projects, enabling pension of 20 differently-abled students, GIS mapping of all pensioners, school students, root cause analysis for untimely road damage, and a noteworthy 28% reduction in fatal crashes. This initiative has helped in providing assistance in criminal cases.
We are marching towards sustainable development. Upon the completion of all Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs), the city will receive up to 40% of tertiary treated water that will be utilized for multiple purposes, contributing to sustainable water management. The ongoing implementation of the 24×7 Water Supply project in Manimajra, the first block under the Area-Based Development (ABD), is set to address water supply issues for around 1,05,000 citizens. Additionally, the PAN city 24×7 Water supply project is underway, ensuring a continuous and reliable water supply for the entire city. As we move forward, the online services for hassle-free electricity services will further elevate the living experience for the residents of Chandigarh.
In the realm of environmental sustainability, 5,00,000 MT of waste has been successfully processed under the Legacy Waste Mining project, reclaiming 20 acres of land. The development of a sanitary landfill site has played a pivotal role in the scientific disposal of waste, aligning with environmental protection objectives. This not only safeguards public health but also enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Chandigarh. With all such initiatives we have attained 11th position but with more efforts we will try to get our city among the top five cities.
Citizens,
The New Education Policy stands as a testament to our dedication to nurturing young minds, fostering innovation, and creating a knowledge-driven society. In our commitment to nurture the potential of every child, the regular recruitment process has been initiated to fill nearly 1100 posts. This step not only addresses staffing requirements but also emphasizes the importance of skilled and dedicated educators in shaping the future of our youth.
In the pursuit of excellence, the establishment of Vidya Samiksha Kendra at the Directorate Level is underway. This initiative is set to revolutionize the education landscape by utilizing big data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to analyze data related to all schools, students, and teachers meaningfully.
Keeping in view the Chandigarh Mobility Plan and with the support of states of Punjab and Haryana Chandigarh Administration has made significant strides in transforming our public transportation system. We have been working towards enhancing the infrastructure and giving subsidies for the promotion of electric vehicles in the city. Currently, 80 electric buses are successfully operational, marking a pivotal step in reducing our carbon footprint. Looking ahead, we are poised to elevate our commitment by replacing diesel buses with an additional fleet of 100 electric buses, contributing to cleaner air and a greener environment. Moreover, the recent addition of 40 HVAC buses on inter-state routes reflects our dedication to enhancing regional connectivity. To further strengthen these routes, we are proposing the incorporation of 60 more ordinary buses into the CTU fleet in the upcoming Financial Year. In response to the growing demand for efficient transportation, we have introduced a bus service from Chandigarh to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, streamlining the commute for our residents.
In the pursuit of making Chandigarh a hub of education and health, the Administration, under the visionary leadership of Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, has undertaken significant initiatives to enhance the health infrastructure and services in our city. These efforts have not only garnered recognition but have also positively impacted the well-being of our residents. Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society has been honored as the best Union Territory in India for the effective implementation of the National AIDS Control Program.
Looking ahead, the Administration is set to embark on critical health infrastructure projects in 2024. The work for the Mother and Child Care Centre, in GMCH-32, and the establishment of the Group Home for Persons Recovered from Mental Illness, will further strengthen our healthcare capabilities. Additionally, the New Emergency and Trauma Centre at GMCH-32 will play a pivotal role in providing emergency medical services to the residents of Chandigarh.
In the pursuit of enhancing public engagement and responsiveness of law enforcement, the Chandigarh Police, launched the innovative Community Policing program “Samavesh” which has led to the establishment of 16 Samavesh Kendras at Police Station levels across Chandigarh, creating a single-point interface for the public.
Furthermore, acknowledging the evolving landscape of cyber threats, Sh. Amit Shah inaugurated the Centre for Cyber Operations and Security (CenCOPS), the first-of-its-kind in India. Equipped to counter and prevent cyber-attacks on crucial government data, CenCOPS is instrumental in bolstering cybersecurity in Chandigarh and neighbouring states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. This centre empowers the police forces to address complex cybercrimes, reinforcing their capabilities in the realm of cybersecurity.
Acknowledged as a leading solar power generator among Union Territories, Chandigarh’s commitment to renewable energy has earned commendation from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt of India.
Additionally, in line with strengthening our police force, we have done more than 700 recruitments. These initiatives reflect our commitment to ensuring a robust and efficient law enforcement system for the safety and security of our citizens.
Before concluding, I would like to extend a heartfelt tribute to a media stalwart, Sh. Santokh Singh, a senior photographer at Rozana Spokesman, who recently left for the heavenly abode due to a serious sickness. His contributions to the media were invaluable, capturing the essence of our city and its events with dedication and skill.
In conclusion, as we come together on this momentous occasion of Republic Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that our nation stands for. Chandigarh, with its exemplary urban planning and commitment to the ease of living, mirrors the aspirations of a progressive India. Let this day serve as a reminder that our collective efforts can transform challenges into opportunities, fostering an environment where every citizen thrives.
As we cherish the values enshrined in our Constitution, let us, the stewards of Chandigarh’s destiny, rededicate ourselves to the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. May our city continue to be a beacon of inspiration for others, showcasing the possibilities of inclusive growth and sustainable development. With unwavering dedication, let us march forward into a future where Chandigarh not only preserves its unique identity but also sets benchmarks for excellence, compassion, and progress.
Happy Republic Day, and may the spirit of unity guide us as we navigate the path towards a brighter, more harmonious tomorrow.
