NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting: Kataria Advocates Incentives for Investment in Chandigarh

In a landmark discussion at the 10th governing council meeting of NITI Aayog, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, administrator Banwarilal Purohit represented Chandigarh under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, themed “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @ 2047”, was a congregation of chief ministers and lieutenant governors from 24 states and seven Union territories.

Administrator Purohit passionately outlined Chandigarh’s vision to evolve into a national hub for skills, with a particular emphasis on green technology. He emphasized that Chandigarh is poised for transformation underpinned by green, inclusive, and sustainable growth principles. The city is transitioning from conventional methodologies to more sustainable ones—evident in green mobility, energy-efficient architecture, and the adoption of clean energy solutions. This illustrates Chandigarh’s ambition as “the City Beautiful” of the future.

Despite its aspirations, Chandigarh faces challenges. The Union Territory (UT) status imposes limitations on its capacity to provide essential financial incentives to attract investments, crucial for fostering economic development. Purohit urged the adoption of a framework similar to the GIFT City model, which includes tax reliefs, subsidies, and incentives, specifically targeting the IT and ITES industries. This could boost Chandigarh’s competitiveness in garnering investments in green technologies and skill development projects.

The administrator highlighted Chandigarh’s evolution from a city with a planned capacity for 500,000 people to a vibrant dwelling space for over 12.43 lakh residents. With the addition of 13 villages into the municipal fold and ongoing development aligned with the objectives of the Master Plan 2031, there’s rapid socio-economic transformation at play.

Among the notable strides made by Chandigarh is the landmark privatisation of electricity distribution—an unprecedented move among Union Territories—and the development of the Zirakpur Bypass aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in key areas of the city. Furthermore, Chandigarh continues to shine brightly in education, boasting the highest Gross Enrolment Ratio in the nation.

The expansion of skill hubs, in tandem with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, is preparing the city’s youth for careers of the future. Moreover, Chandigarh is actively fostering an environment of innovation, particularly encouraging female entrepreneurs to partake and fuel inclusive economic growth.

In response to the Prime Minister’s appeal to cultivate globally acclaimed tourist destinations, Purohit reiterated Chandigarh’s pledge to enhance tourism infrastructure and smart city projects. This commitment is aligned with objectives centered on sustainability, citizen-centric service delivery, and the integration of renewable energy sources.

Recognizing the importance of gender equity in the workforce, Purohit advocated for reforms that would bolster women’s participation in economic activities. Chandigarh remains steadfast in its quest to cultivate an empowering and inclusive environment that supports women’s empowerment on all fronts.

As Chandigarh strides toward a sustainable and innovative future, it is imperative that strategic investments and policies support this vision for a greener, more inclusive, and prosperous city.