CHANDIGARH, Aug 1: Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform Chandigarh into the country’s leading city, calling for greater collaboration among government departments, institutions and citizens to achieve the goal.
Addressing the first anniversary celebrations of the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation (CCF), Kataria praised the commitment of officials and stakeholders who have contributed to the city’s steady progress. He said the administration is fortunate to have experienced officers whose efforts continue to strengthen Chandigarh’s growth across multiple sectors.
The Governor highlighted the city’s impressive performance in education, noting that government schools have consistently delivered excellent results in Class 12 examinations. He said Chandigarh has established itself as one of the country’s strongest performers in school education through sustained improvements in academic standards and public education initiatives.
Emphasising healthcare, Kataria reaffirmed his objective of positioning Chandigarh as a major regional medical destination. He observed that patients from different parts of India as well as overseas choose the city for quality medical treatment, reflecting the strength of its healthcare infrastructure.
To further improve public health services, he announced that all 48 government dispensaries would be upgraded with better facilities and resources. He also highlighted the introduction of evening outpatient department (OPD) services, aimed at making healthcare more accessible and convenient for residents.
The Governor also pointed to the city’s achievements in tourism, sanitation, environmental conservation and increasing green cover. He said sustained efforts in these areas have strengthened Chandigarh’s reputation as one of India’s well planned urban centres and stressed the importance of maintaining this momentum.
Calling for wider public participation, Kataria invited suggestions from departments, organisations and citizens to ensure development initiatives deliver maximum benefits to the community. He said inclusive planning and coordinated action would play a key role in shaping the city’s future.
Underscoring the importance of sports in promoting a healthy society, Kataria announced that Chandigarh will host another marathon in November along with several sporting events. He expressed confidence that the city has significant potential to emerge as a major sporting destination by encouraging greater participation and nurturing young talent.
The Governor said continued cooperation among all stakeholders would help Chandigarh achieve new milestones and strengthen its position as a model city known for quality governance, modern infrastructure and improved public services.
