Geared up to make Chandigarh a medical hub, says administrator Badnore on I-Day

Tribune News Service 
Chandigarh, August 15 

Chandigarh Administrator VP Badnore has said that they are prepared to make the city a medical hub. While addressing a function on the 74th Independence Day, Badnore unfurled the National Flag, and listed the achievements of the administration in various fields.

Badnore also gave away commendation certificates to COVID warriors. 

"Today, we are collectively facing a COVID-19 pandemic threat, that has created a global health crisis, and has had a deep impact on our lives. The war against the virus is going to challenge us more, and we are prepared for it. A lesson is well learnt, and we are all geared up to make Chandigarh a medical hub with exceptional facilities to tackle any such threat," he said. 

"We all know, that until a vaccine is developed to fight this pandemic, we will have to take care of ourselves and our families in a more precautionary way. It is the duty of every citizen to respect nature and follow certain rules, that are necessary for our well being. Let us all resolute to fight this together, and emerge stronger as always," he added. 

“Your selfless contribution and tireless efforts have helped in averting a serious threat, that is yet far from over. I am certain that you all will keep these spirits alive and come together as before in containing the spread of this virus,” he concluded. 

"On the other hand, Chandigarh and Punjab have shown an exceptional recovery rate in tackling the deadly disease", he said, adding that the 

World Health Organization has also recognized the success of Chandigarh Administration, particularly in containing the spread of infection in Bapu Dham Colony.

This pandemic has severely affected the migrant labourers, and to assist them, our officials have ensured—as much as possible—support from the Administration. 

More than 45,000 migrant labourers were sent home during these tough times via the Shramik trains and buses and were assisted in every possible way. 

The Red Cross Society has been on wheels to provide food to all the needy during the curfew lockdown period. 

Food packets were distributed to ensure, that no family is left with an empty stomach and hungry. 

On the occasion, a state-level drug de-addiction campaign, “Nasha Mukt Bharat”, focusing components for preventive education and awareness generation, treatment and rehabilitation etc was launched, as per the direction of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. 

He said to provide some relief to the ex-servicemen who retired or released without a pension and are above 65 years of age, financial assistance has been increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000 per month and financial assistance of widows of Sub Major Rank or the same rank in Navy and Air Forces is also enhanced from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month. 

In order to reduce the hardships of the commissioning mothers and surrogate mothers, maternity leave will be granted to all outsourced/ contractual employees of Chandigarh Administration. 

He commended the Mayor, all councillors, Commissioner Municipal Corporation and staff members, who substantially contributed to the war against corona by providing essential commodities at the door-steps of the residents during the curfew period. 

One of the most important responsibilities of the Administration is maintaining and improving infrastructure. 

Badnore said he was 'happy' to announce, that the construction of Government High School in Manimajra was at advanced stages and construction of an additional 216 houses for Chandigarh Police personnel will begin soon. 

A New Mini Sports Complex in Sector-8 is completed and another Mini Sports Complex in Sector-27 is at an advanced stage of completion. Construction of New International type Shooting Range in Sector-25 and, Mini Sports Infrastructure for Billiards and Snooker in Sports Complex, Sector 42, Chandigarh, is going to come up shortly. 

The Chandigarh Housing Board has planned to rent out 2,500 vacant small flats in Maloya for the migrant labours and urban poor under the recently announced Affordable Rental Housing Complexes scheme by Government of India. 

He felt overwhelmed in sharing, that Chandigarh had once again secured the First Position in the country in the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2018-19 declared by MHRD. 

"The teachers had smoothly shifted to online teaching during this pandemic so that the learning of students was not disrupted", he added. 

Badnore complimented the Chandigarh Police for its excellent work in the fight against corona.  

The police officials were on duty round the clock, ensuring checking at inter-state borders, perimeter control of Containment Zones and enforcement of social distancing, mask-wearing, curfew timings etc. 

He urged the citizens of Chandigarh to remains alert and cautious. Determination and patience are two key factors that can help us in combating this global threat. 

“UT Administration is constantly keeping a close watch on this situation, and we assure you that we will take every possible step to keep our city safe and livable,” he said.

Badnore also paid homage to the martyrs at the War Memorial in Chandigarh before proceeding for the Independence Day Flag hoisting Parade and Celebrations. 

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