Chandigarh, September 24, 2025 –Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today launched a series of Digital Welfare Initiatives by the Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, while also continuing his direct outreach with citizens through the ongoing practice of Janta Darbars at the UT Secretariat.

The landmark digital initiatives include the onboarding of 11 social welfare schemes onto a digital platform, the launch of the Beneficiary Satyapan Application (BSA) for pension life certificates, and the installation of a digital kiosk at the UT Secretariat. These steps are aimed at making welfare services more transparent, accessible, and efficient.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kataria said that these initiatives mark a significant step in the direction of Digital India, ensuring that every section of society has easier and faster access to government support. He reiterated that technology must serve as a bridge to bring governance closer to the people, especially the most vulnerable.

With the digitization of 11 welfare schemes, beneficiaries such as Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities, Widows, Destitute Women, and Dependent Children will now be able to apply online anytime, from anywhere—eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork and repeated visits to government offices. This transition will also speed up benefit processing and ensure equitable access to government support.

The newly launched Beneficiary Satyapan Application (BSA) marks a major reform for pensioners, enabling them to submit life certificates digitally through Aadhaar-based face authentication. Initially available at designated centers, the facility will be expanded to all beneficiaries after necessary audits. To ensure smooth rollout, the Department is training staff to onboard beneficiaries and manage application data before the end of the financial year.

Further strengthening accessibility, a digital kiosk has been installed at the UT Secretariat. This centralized hub will allow citizens to obtain real-time information about various welfare schemes, eligibility criteria, and application processes—ensuring quick, reliable guidance at a single point.

Present during the launch were Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, Shri Rajeev Verma; Principal Secretary to the Governor, Shri Vivek Pratap Singh; Home Secretary, UT Chandigarh, Shri Mandip Singh Brar; and Finance Secretary, UT Chandigarh, Shri Diprava Lakra, along with other senior officers of the Administration.

Janta Darbar: A Direct Channel Between Citizens and the Administration

Alongside the launch, Shri Kataria also presided over a Janta Darbar at the UT Secretariat today. Citizens brought forth issues related to public services, civic amenities, and personal grievances, which were heard patiently and addressed on the spot with directions to the concerned officials.

The Governor emphasized that these Janta Darbars are not only a platform to hear citizens’ voices but also a mechanism to provide timely and effective solutions. By ensuring face-to-face dialogue, the initiative bridges the gap between the Administration and the public, fostering accountability and trust in governance.

The Governor’s Secretariat has planned to hold such sessions regularly so that citizens always have a direct channel to communicate with the highest office of the Union Territory.