Chandigarh Panel Seeks More Evening OPDs, Welfare Measures
Social Welfare Committee chaired by Satya Pal Jain reviews healthcare, child welfare and pension issues.
- Evening OPDs recommended to be prioritised in rural and economically weaker areas.
- Committee suggests construction of Mazdoor Bhawan at Sector 44 Labour Chowk.
- 54 of 63 missing children traced; police asked to expedite search for the remaining children.
- Proposal made to increase old age pension in Chandigarh to ₹2,000 per month.
GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 22nd June: The Social Welfare Committee of the Chandigarh Administration, chaired by former MP Satya Pal Jain, held a meeting to review various welfare initiatives and made several recommendations aimed at improving healthcare, social security and public welfare.
The Committee reiterated that evening OPD services should be expanded on priority in rural areas, slum localities and regions dominated by economically weaker sections to ensure easier access to healthcare for the poor. It noted that evening OPDs have already begun at Civil Hospital Sector 16 and Manimajra, while services are expected to start shortly at dispensaries in Sectors 22 and 45.
The Committee also recommended the construction of a Mazdoor Bhawan at Sector 44 Labour Chowk, accepting the report of a sub-committee that identified the location as the most suitable site for the facility.
Reviewing child welfare measures, the Committee was informed that 54 out of 63 missing children in Chandigarh have been traced, while efforts are underway to locate the remaining nine children. It also noted that 56 children rescued from child begging have been placed in child care institutions where they are receiving education and medical assistance.
Among other recommendations, the Committee proposed establishing a Senior Citizens Home near Snehalaya in Maloya to encourage interaction between elderly citizens and orphaned children. It also urged the Chandigarh Administration to take up the matter of revising old age pension with the Central Government so that the pension amount can be increased to ₹2,000 per month.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Chandigarh Administration, Chandigarh Police, Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments, along with members of the Social Welfare Committee.
