Chandigarh, 28.10.2025: The Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, convened a meeting today with officers of the Agriculture Department and the State Agricultural Marketing Board to discuss key issues pertaining to agricultural land, marketing infrastructure, and Mandi management in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

The Secretary Agriculture, Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS briefed the Chief Secretary on the extent of agricultural land available in the UT and the status of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

Sh. Hari Kallikat, IAS, Secretary, State Agricultural Marketing Board made a detailed presentation on the existing Mandi at Sector-26 and the proposed development of the new Grain, Fruit & Vegetable Market at Sector 39, Chandigarh.

The Chief Secretary directed that modalities be worked out to rationalize and enhance the Market Fee. He further instructed that the system of maintaining arrival of products in mandi should be a online system to ensure transparency in arrival. He mentioned that online platform will help in ensuring transparency and efficiency in case of calculating mandi fees which is being charged from commission agents.

With regard to the issue of encroachments in Sector 26 Mandi, the Chief Secretary emphasized that prompt action must be taken to remove unauthorized vendors, as the Mandi is designated for wholesale trade only. He also directed the officials to maintain sanitation in sector 26 mandi.

On issues of maintenance of roads, sewerage, street lighting, and other civic amenities in Sector 26 Mandi, the Chief Secretary instructed that the concerned departments be approached immediately to ensure timely redressal.

He also directed that the matter of shifting of New Mandi be expedited and court case relating to the New Mandi at Sector 39, which is pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, be actively pursued for early hearing and resolution.

Sh. Pavittar Singh, PCS, Administrator Market Committee, Sh. Navin, Director Agriculture and Sh. Rajiv Tewari Joint Secretary Marketing Board were present during the meeting.