Know Your Rights: Permanent Lok Adalat Offers Speedy and Accessible Justice

Chandigarh, 14 October 2026: An awareness programme on the Permanent Lok Adalat for Public Utility Services (PLA) was organised at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 43, Chandigarh, under the aegis of the Permanent Lok Adalat for Public Utility Services, U.T. Chandigarh.

Ms. Roonam Kaushik, Chairman (In-charge), and Ms. Surjeet Kaur, Member, Permanent Lok Adalat for Public Utility Services, U.T. Chandigarh, addressed the programme and sensitised students and staff about the role and functioning of the PLA.

The speakers explained that the Permanent Lok Adalat provides an accessible statutory forum for resolving disputes relating to essential public utility services, including electricity, water, transport, telecommunication, insurance, sanitation and hospital or dispensary services.

Participants were informed that the PLA first seeks to resolve disputes through conciliation. Where a settlement is not possible, it may decide eligible disputes on merits in accordance with law. The forum offers citizens an avenue for speedy, economical and effective resolution of public utility disputes, reducing the need for prolonged litigation.

The speakers also explained that an award of the Permanent Lok Adalat is final and binding on the parties in accordance with law and has the effect of a decree of a civil court.

Students and teachers were encouraged to spread awareness among their families and communities so that citizens know where to seek redressal for disputes relating to essential public services.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation and interaction from students and staff, reinforcing the message: “Know your rights, know your remedy and seek timely

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Secretary, State Agricultural Marketing Board, Reviews Infrastructure Works at Sector 26 Mandi

Chandigarh, October 14, 2026: Following yesterday’s site visit to the Sector 26 Mandi, Shri D. Karthikeyan, IAS, Secretary, State Agricultural Marketing Board, Chandigarh Administration, chaired a meeting to review the progress of ongoing infrastructure improvement works. The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer, U.T. Chandigarh, the Administrator, Market Committee, and officials of the Engineering Department and Municipal Corporation. Representatives of the Grain Market and Subzi Mandi associations also participated.

The Chief Engineer, UT Chandigarh informed the meeting that drainage upgradation and road works had commenced and would be completed in a time-bound manner. Reviewing the progress, the Secretary directed the concerned departments to complete the works within the shortest possible timeframe while ensuring quality. He emphasised that construction should cause minimum inconvenience to traders and disruption to mandi activities, while ensuring smooth traffic movement.

The Municipal Corporation was requested to undertake the maintenance and operation of public toilets within the mandi, as these civic amenities fall within its jurisdiction. The Executive Engineer, Municipal Corporation, agreed to the request.

Taking note of the deteriorating condition of roads outside the mandi, the Secretary, State Agricultural Marketing Board ( SAMB) directed the Chief Engineer, U.T. Chandigarh, and the Municipal Corporation to undertake their improvement on priority.

Responding to a demand raised by the Subzi Mandi associations, the Secretary, SAMB directed the Market Committee to take over the parking space adjoining Chandigarh College of Engineering, Sector 26, from the Municipal Corporation to facilitate truck parking.

Shri D Karthikeyan further directed officials of the Market Committee and Engineering Department to conduct regular joint site visits to coordinate ongoing works and ensure the smooth functioning of the mandi. He stated that review meetings would be held regularly until the works were completed.

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First-Ever Father-Child Games Conclude in Chandigarh; Shri Vijayendra Kumar Appreciates Parents’ Dedication

Chandigarh, October 14, 2026: The first-ever Father-Child Games for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), organised by the Department of School Education, U.T. Chandigarh, under the Samagra Shiksha–CWSN Wing, concluded today at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23-B, Chandigarh. The two-day event, held on October 13 and 14, promoted inclusive sports and celebrated the bond between fathers and their children.

Organised under the theme “Majboot Bandhan, Majboot Bhavishya,” the games brought together 40 father-child pairs, comprising 80 participants, from government schools across Chandigarh. Participants competed in Athletics, Badminton, Cricket and Volleyball, with adapted rules to encourage participation and enjoyment. The qualifying rounds were held on October 13, followed by the semi-finals and finals on October 14.

Shri Vijayendra Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Haryana and President, Chandigarh Badminton Association, graced the valedictory ceremony as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he appreciated the dedication, patience and sustained efforts of parents in supporting and nurturing their children with special needs. He highlighted the role of such initiatives in promoting confidence, strengthening family bonds and building a compassionate and inclusive society.

In keeping with the spirit of inclusion, all 80 participants were honoured with first-position trophies, commemorative medals and participation certificates. No second or third positions were awarded, reflecting the message that every child is a winner and every effort deserves recognition.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation as fathers played alongside their children, demonstrating how sports can encourage teamwork, build confidence and strengthen emotional bonds. Parents, special educators, volunteers and students cheered the participants throughout the games.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Rajpal Singh, Nodal Officer, CWSN Sports, Education Department, U.T. Chandigarh. He informed the gathering that the Department intends to make the Father-Child Games an annual feature to promote inclusive education and greater family participation in the holistic development of children with special needs.

Parents expressed their gratitude to the Education Department for providing a joyful and dignified platform to celebrate their children’s abilities and achievements.