Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria highlights Chandigarh’s commitment to Sustainable Growth, Skill Development and Good Governance Green at 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting
The Voice of Canada-The Voice of Chandigarh News :
Punjab Governor and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, participated in the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the meeting was attended by Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors from 24 States and 7 Union Territories, under the theme “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @ 2047.” The session began with a solemn minute of silence to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, reflecting the nation’s collective resolve against terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address reaffirmed the country’s commitment to inclusive and cooperative federalism, emphasizing that the aspiration for a developed India transcends political affiliations and belongs to all 140 crore Indians. He urged all States and Union Territories to unite in making every city, village, and State a developed entity, accelerating India’s journey to becoming a Viksit Bharat well before 2047. Highlighting India’s progress as one of the world’s top five economies and the upliftment of 25 crore citizens from poverty, the Prime Minister encouraged leveraging manufacturing strengths, skill development aligned with modern technologies like AI and semiconductor manufacturing, and expanding opportunities in green and hydrogen energy. He also stressed the importance of developing at least one global-standard tourist destination per State, urbanizing sustainably, empowering women, enhancing cyber security, and interlinking rivers to address water challenges.
In his address, Gulab Chand Kataria highlighted Chandigarh’s remarkable transformation from a city originally designed for a population of 5 lakh to now housing over 12.43 lakh residents. With the recent inclusion of 13 villages into the Municipal Corporation and development in line with the Master Plan 2031, Chandigarh is experiencing rapid social, physical, and economic development.
Kataria stressed that Chandigarh’s growth is deeply rooted in principles of green, inclusive, and sustainable development. He pointed out that the city is transitioning from ‘grey to green’ across every sector—be it green mobility, energy-efficient buildings, or adoption of clean energy solutions—reinforcing its identity as the ‘City Beautiful.’
Focusing on human capital, the Administrator articulated Chandigarh’s ambition to become a national skill hub specializing in green technologies. He emphasized the need to establish reputed institutions that prepare the youth for emerging job markets, particularly in green tech sectors. However, he also candidly highlighted the limitations faced by Chandigarh due to its Union Territory status, which restricts its ability to offer financial incentives essential to attracting investments and fostering economic growth.
To overcome these challenges, Kataria appealed for the creation of a special incentive framework for Chandigarh, akin to the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) model. He proposed that this framework should encompass tax exemptions, subsidies, incentives for IT and ITES sectors, and exemptions under the Companies Act to make Chandigarh more competitive and attractive for green technology investments and skill development initiatives.
Kataria further showcased Chandigarh’s significant achievements, including the privatization of electricity distribution—the first of its kind among UTs—the development of the Zirakpur Bypass, which will decongest key city areas, and the city’s outstanding performance in education with the highest Gross Enrolment Ratio. He underscored the expansion of Skill Hubs aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to prepare the youth for future-ready careers. Further, he highlighted Chandigarh’s ongoing efforts to promote innovation, especially among women entrepreneurs, to stimulate inclusive economic growth.
Aligning with the Prime Minister’s call to develop world-class tourist destinations, Kataria reaffirmed Chandigarh’s commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and smart city initiatives, which focus on sustainability, citizen-centric services, and renewable energy integration. He also emphasized the need for reforms to enhance women’s participation in the workforce and reiterated Chandigarh’s dedication to creating an environment that supports women’s empowerment and economic inclusion.
The Administrator concluded by reiterating Chandigarh’s readiness to contribute robustly to the national vision of Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and stressed that cooperative federalism is the cornerstone of India’s continued progress.
