CHANDIGARH, June 27 — As part of the Centre’s Viksit Bharat-2047 vision, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Friday announced that Chandigarh will be developed into a Knowledge Hub, a Wellness City, and a model of smart governance.
The minister was speaking at a function in Government College of Commerce and Business Administration, Sector 50, after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for a string of development projects across the Union Territory.
“Chandigarh is a shining example of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” Bandi said, commending the city’s strides in digital governance, smart public transport, and sustainability initiatives like Green India and Swachh Bharat.
During the event, Bandi inaugurated the new boys’ and girls’ hostel block at the Commerce College. He also virtually unveiled the 2,500 KW Floating Solar Power Plant at Water Works, Sector 39; the Extension Block at Government Senior Secondary School, Kajheri; and the new IT Block at PG Government College, Sector 46. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for 144 residential units for police personnel at the Chandigarh Armed Police Complex in Dhanas.
“These five major projects signal a transformative leap in education, housing, infrastructure, and security,” said UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, who welcomed the dignitaries. He pointed to the city’s progress in rooftop solar implementation, the privatisation of power distribution, and its high ranking in the SDG India Index as evidence of Chandigarh’s growing national leadership.
The minister also hailed Chandigarh as the first city in India to fully implement the three new criminal justice laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. He described this legal transition as a “historic step toward strengthening citizen protection and justice delivery.”
“The projects launched today are not just about infrastructure,” he said, “they reflect the national vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. These efforts will uplift youth through better education and digital access, improve housing for police personnel, and strengthen civic resilience.”
He also praised the local administration, Chandigarh Police, and the public for their work in addressing pressing issues such as cybercrime, drug control, traffic safety, and women’s security. “The Centre will continue to support Chandigarh in bolstering peace, disaster preparedness, and cybersecurity,” he said.
The event was attended by Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain, DGP Pushpendra Singh, Finance Secretary Diprava Lakra, Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar, Science and Technology and Environment Secretary Saurabh Kumar, and Chief Engineer CB Ojha.
