Punjab, 14 May (H.S.)L

A joint delegation of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Chandigarh and the Student Organisation of India (SOI) met Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday to raise several important issues concerning religious institutions, city residents and students of Panjab University.

The delegation was led by Charanjit Singh Villy, State President of Shiromani Akali Dal, Chandigarh, who submitted a memorandum highlighting various concerns affecting residents of the city.

One of the key issues raised during the meeting was regarding gurudwaras and temples in Chandigarh receiving violation notices from the administration. The Akali Dal urged the Administrator to intervene and regularise all religious places in Chandigarh as a one-time measure, considering public sentiments attached to these institutions.

The delegation also strongly raised the issue of representation of the Sikh community in the nomination of nine councillors in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. Charanjit Singh Villy demanded that at least two nominated councillor seats should be reserved for the Sikh community to ensure fair representation in the democratic process.

Another major issue discussed was the pension amount being provided to senior citizens and widows in Chandigarh. The delegation demanded an increase in the current pension amount of ₹1,000, citing rising inflation and increasing daily expenses faced by beneficiaries.

The delegation also highlighted poor management of parking lots across the city. Villy informed the Administrator that mismanagement at parking areas is causing inconvenience to residents and leading to traffic congestion. Photographs showing the condition of parking sites were also submitted during the meeting.

An issue related to Panjab University was also raised, where the delegation alleged that Punjabi language had been removed from road signboards inside the university campus. They demanded that Punjabi should be restored on all signboards.

The delegation also discussed the newly constructed auditorium at Panjab University and demanded that it be named after Baba Fateh Singh and Baba Zorawar Singh.

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria reportedly gave a patient hearing to all concerns raised by the delegation and assured them that appropriate directions would be issued to the concerned departments for necessary action.

Shiromani Akali Dal, Chandigarh later thanked the Administrator for hearing the concerns of Chandigarh residents.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH