Dear Residents of City Beautiful,

1. On the joyous occasion of our 77^th Republic Day, I extend my warm greetings to all of you. It is an honour and privilege for me to address you on this momentous day.

1. Republic Day is a day of immense pride, collective reflection and renewed resolve, when we reaffirm our faith in the Constitution of India and celebrate the spirit of democracy that binds our diverse nation together. It is a celebration of the living ideals that guide our Republic and reminds us of the solemn pledge taken by the people of India to govern ourselves through the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

1. From the dawn of civilization, India has stood as a timeless beacon of knowledge, wisdom and harmonious living. The profound echoes of our ancient past resonate through the Vedas and the Upanishads, which envisioned a society founded on truth, righteousness and the collective well-being of humanity. During the Vedic period, principles like Dharma and Satya, along with assemblies such as Sabha and Samiti, reflected early forms of people’s participation in governance. Our sacred land has nurtured the lofty ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the entire world is one family—instilling enduring values of tolerance, inclusivity, compassion and deep respect for all forms of life.

1. Republic Day symbolizes the triumph of India’s ancient democratic values combined with modern constitutional principles. It reminds us that the power of the nation lies with its people.

1. Our democracy is sustained by a delicate balance between Fundamental Rights, which guarantee equality, liberty, and dignity and Fundamental Duties, which nurture civic responsibility, patriotism and respect for the Constitution.

1. As we celebrate our Republic today, we remember with deep gratitude Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and the distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly, whose wisdom and foresight laid the foundations of social justice, democratic accountability and inclusive growth.

1. India’s democratic journey is a remarkable story of sacrifice, resilience and shared purpose. I bow in reverence to our freedom fighters, whose courage and selfless service secured for us the priceless gift of independence and built our Republic.

1. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to our Armed Forces, who remain vigilant day and night to protect the sovereignty and security of our country. I also acknowledge the tireless service of our police, paramilitary forces, civil defense volunteers and all those who work quietly and steadfastly to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.

1. Chandigarh, conceived as a symbol of independent India’s modern aspirations, stands today as a city known for order, inclusiveness, civic discipline, and quality of life. Chandigarh has consistently upheld the values of good governance, institutional integrity and citizen participation.

10. To realise the vision of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Chandigarh,” the Administration is following a clear and inclusive roadmap focused on citizen-centric governance, world-class infrastructure, clean and green energy, smart mobility, quality education, accessible healthcare and the empowerment of women and youth. Guided by sustainable development, these initiatives are strengthening Chandigarh as an environmentally responsible, economically vibrant and socially inclusive city, ensuring that the benefits of progress reach every citizen.

11. On this proud occasion of Republic Day, I would like to highlight a few key initiatives and achievements that reflect Chandigarh’s commitment to sustainable development, inclusive governance and our collective resolve to uphold the constitutional values of responsibility, equity, and progress.

12. The patriotic response of Chandigarh’s youth during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in 2025 stands as a proud testimony to their spirit of service and sense of national duty. This spirit translated into a historic milestone with the first Passing Out Parade of Chandigarh’s Civil Defence Volunteers in September 2025.

13. The transformation of the nearly 400 volunteers into a confident auxiliary force, ready to support the Administration during disasters, emergencies and national exigencies has reaffirmed our commitment to building a vibrant, clean, alertand resilient city.

14. In a landmark achievement, Chandigarh Police accomplished the fastest emergency response time in India, averaging 5.6 minutes in 2025.

15. Public safety received a significant boost with the deployment of 50 new Quick Response Team motorcycles under the initiative “Sadak Sahayogi – Surakshit Marg, Surakshit Jeevan”, in October 2025. These agile units significantly reduce emergency response time and ensure quicker medical assistance during road accidents.

16. The upcoming construction of new police stations at Mauli Jagran and the IT Park, will significantly augment policing outreach and citizen services.

17. Recognizing the vital role of personnel welfare, construction of 144 Type-II houses at the Armed Police Complex, Dhanas has already commenced as part of a larger plan to develop 1,152 residential units for police personnel. In addition, provision of 220 Type-III houses at Dhanas is proposed, aimed at ensuring better living conditions and improved morale of the force.

18. A comprehensive proposal has been initiated for the installation of around 2,000 CCTV cameras at strategically identified locations across the city, which will enable real-time monitoring, improve crime detection and prevention and act as a strong deterrent against criminal activities.

19. I am pleased to share that UT Chandigarh has achieved 100 percent saturation in the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. A total of 60 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) are now operational in Chandigarh. Eight of these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been developed as Model Centres, with a strong emphasis on quality healthcare services, upgraded infrastructure and technology-driven solutions.

20. To strengthen last-mile healthcare delivery, a Home-Based Medical Service initiative for elderly citizens has been introduced, under which a dedicated ambulance equipped with a medical team has been deployed to provide doorstep healthcare to elderly patients above 80 years of age and to those who are bedridden or severely debilitated.

21. The health infrastructure of Chandigarh has received a major boost with the completion of a new Emergency & Trauma Block at Government Medical College and Hospital-32 (GMCH-32), significantly augmenting emergency medical services.

22. The Mother and Child Care Centre at GMCH-32 and a hostel block for MBBS students at Sector-48 are progressing rapidly and will further strengthen healthcare delivery and medical education.

23. Augmenting health infrastructure, a 50 bedded Critical Care Block under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure at Sub District Hospital Manimajra has been approved for U.T. Chandigarh. Also, an 80-bedded hospital at Dhanas will be constructed for providing better medical facilities in the peripheral areas of the city.

24. Education remains a core priority for the Chandigarh Administration, guided by the belief that quality education is the strongest investment in the future.

25. It is heartening to share that UT Chandigarh achieved a historic milestone of being declared a Fully Literate Union Territory under the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram of Ministry of Education, Government of India with around 15,000 learners having successfully qualified the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) in September 2025.

26. Chandigarh has pioneered the implementation of a first-of-its-kind Sewa Curriculum across all Government and private schools fostering compassion, empathy and civic responsibility through structured community engagement.

27. In national learning outcomes Chandigarh has achieved outstanding results with the Union Territory securing the 1^st position among all UTs in under the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan, highlighting the quality and effectiveness of its school education system.

28. The administration has further reinforced inclusive education by ensuring free and compulsory schooling upto 18 years for children with benchmark disabilities supported by trained special educators, adapted curriculum and accessibility provisions making Chandigarh a national leader in inclusive practices.

29. To strengthen the teaching capacity, the Chandigarh Administration undertook a large-scale regular recruitment drive last year, through which around 750 teachers have been inducted across various disciplines.

30. Additional blocks in Government schools at Kajheri and Karsan have been made operational, new government schools at Sarangpur and Dhanas are under construction and augmentation of school infrastructure is proposed at schools in Maloya and Badheri.

31. To bolster higher education infrastructure, the extension of the Kurukshetra Boys’ Hostel at Punjab Engineering College, hostel blocks at Post Graduate Government College, Sector-46 and an advanced academic and research centre at Post Graduate College, Sector-11, are at advanced stages of completion. Construction of new hostels at Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology (CCET) and a dedicated Research Scholars’ Hostel at Punjab Engineering College (PEC) is being taken up.

32. Chandigarh remains firmly committed to strengthening world-class sports infrastructure and fostering a vibrant sporting culture in the city. Under the Chandigarh Sports Policy, scholarships amounting to ₹7.12 crore have been disbursed to 1,630 sportspersons in September 2025.

33. A state of the art, Billiards and Snooker Hall has been inaugurated at the Sector 42 Sports Complex and Chess centres have been established in sports facilities in Sector 8 and Sector 39.

34. The first ever boccia court of international standards in a government facility has been made operational in the Sector-8 Sports Complex providing an inclusive ecosystem for specially abled sportsperson. To promote inclusivity in sports, a policy for specially-abled sportspersons is proposed to be launched.

35. A comprehensive roadmap has been prepared for the expansion of sports facilities in the city which includes overhauling of infrastructure of Lake Sports Complex including swimming pools, squash courts, gym facility and tennis courts. The Hockey Ground, Sector-18, is being upgraded to national standards and the development of a comprehensive Sports Complex at Sector-42, featuring an indoor multipurpose hall and swimming pool of international standards is being taken up.

36. The second all weather swimming pool in the city in the Sports Complex Sector-39 will be made operational shortly.

37. A mass talent identification program for identifying sports talent among children across all schools of the city will be undertaken.

38. The City Beautiful successfully hosted the 17^th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme organized by My Bharat, Chandigarh for around 400 tribal youth from across the country.

39. Chandigarh also commemorated 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and reaffirmed its commitment to a drug free city with a State Level program to mark the 5^th anniversary of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

40. I am proud to announce the development of a state-of-the-art concert centre spread across 25 acres in Sarangpur. This landmark project will provide state of the art infrastructure for hosting international and national events and facilitate cultural exchange.

41. To promote innovation, entrepreneurship and employment generation, the Chandigarh Start-up Policy 2025 was notified last year, providing a structured framework to support start-ups and innovators. The Operational Guidelines of the Chandigarh Start-up Policy 2025 have been notified on 1^st January 2026, for effective execution of the policy objectives.

42. Under the deregulation exercise, U.T. Chandigarh has implemented 12 reforms and is actively working on 06 reforms. Labour & Licensing Reforms have led to reduced physical inspections, transparent timelines and enhanced regulatory certainty for enterprises.

43. Chandigarh’s consistent focus on cleanliness and sustainability has earned national recognition. The city received the Super Swachh League President’s Award in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, while also retaining its Water Plus Certification and securing a 3-Star Garbage Free City rating.

44. The Amrit Sarovar Project at Dhanas inaugurated in November 2025 by the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT, Chandigarh, underscores our dedication to water conservation and ecological balance.

45. In October 2025, the Administration took a progressive step with the notification of the new Dog Bye-Laws which balances public safety and animal welfare.

46. Social inclusion and sustainability have been promoted through the ‘One Rupee Store’, inaugurated in December 2025 at Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38, providing essential goods at minimal cost while encouraging reuse and sustainable consumption.

47. The true strength of a society is reflected in how it cares for its most vulnerable sections. Guided by this principle, the Chandigarh Administration placed special emphasis on the welfare of women, children and marginalised groups.

48. On 29^th September 2025, Chandigarh launched Poshan Amrit Van under POSHAN 2.0, a first-of-its-kind initiative enabling breast milk donation by willing mothers for orphaned and malnourished infants.

49. The Administration has upgraded 20 Model Anganwadi Centres, strengthened 104 Saksham Anganwadis and improved infrastructure in 30 rented Anganwadi buildings. These centres now provide enhanced nutrition, safer environments, and improved early childhood education facilities, laying a strong foundation for holistic child development.

50. In a truly inspiring achievement, Master Vansh Tayal, a 17-year-old orphan from Snehalaya, Maloya, received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar from the Hon’ble President of India on 26^th December 2025, underscoring the city’s dedication to child empowerment and equal opportunity.

51. A significant initiative has been undertaken to strengthen the child protection mechanism in U.T. Chandigarh with the formulation of Baal Sarthy Clubs (Sensitization and Awareness through Youth On Child Protection Matters) in September 2025.

52. The Union Territory of Chandigarh has made a significant stride towards becoming a slum-free city. With the removal of all unauthorised colonies from government land, following due process and large-scale rehabilitation, the city has completed the final phase of slum eradication initiative.

53. Over the years, the Administration successfully reclaimed nearly 520 acres of government land valued at approximately ₹21,000 crore and also provided thousands of residents with dignified housing and improved living conditions. With this milestone, Chandigarh is setting an example of urban renewal and inclusive development, providing a model for other cities across India to emulate.

54. In a significant step towards strengthening public transport services, around 100 bus drivers have been recruited.

55. The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) has launched QR code-enabled journey planning at interstate bus terminals and bus queue shelters, enabling commuters to access real-time bus arrival information through their smartphones.

56. Augmentation of public transport infrastructure is being carried out with the new CTU Depot at Raipur Kalan nearing completion.

57. As part of Green Urban Mobility, approval has been accorded for 428 electric buses under the Pradhan Mantri E-Bus Sewa Scheme to replace diesel buses operating within the Tri-City. Under this scheme, the agreement for the first batch of 100 electric buses has already been signed with the operator and 15 buses have been delivered. To support this transition, essential infrastructure – including 66 Kilo Volts (KV) charging substations, modern depots, and upgraded workshops – is being developed.

58. For strengthening the inter-state fleet, 40 new ordinary bus are likely to be made operational by April 2026. Induction of super-luxury buses is also underway. Simultaneously, implementation of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for long-route buses is in progress to further enhance operational efficiency and commuter convenience.

59. Chandigarh achieved the distinction of securing the First position in the National Energy Conservation Awards, 2025, presented by the Hon’ble President of India in December, 2025, reflecting exemplary performance in the field of energy conservation and efficiency.

60. Chandigarh Administration achieved a landmark national recognition by winning the Gold Award for “Best Union Territory for Electric Vehicle (EV) Overall” at the prestigious ‘Motoring World Green Mobility Awards 2025- Delhi’, reflecting sustained progress in clean and future-ready urban transport.

61. Chandigarh has achieved the distinction of becoming the first city in the country to attain 100 percent solar saturation of all Government buildings. With a total installed capacity of 103.62 Mega Watt (MW) across 11,663 sites, the city is generating over 319 million units of clean electricity and has mitigated more than 2.20 lakh metric tonnes of carbon emissions.

62. This transition has transformed public institutions into net producers of clean energy, with 37 Government schools achieving energy-surplus status and recording negative electricity bills.

1. 63. The ‘AVISHKAR Academy’ was inaugurated at the Model Jail, Burail enabling inmates to acquire skills and self-reliance, preparing them for dignified reintegration into society.

64. This reformative vision has been further strengthened with the launch of the ‘Jeevan Dhara Industrial Training Institute’ in the trades of Woodwork Technician and Sewing Technology for the inmates of the Model Jail Burail in December 2025.

65. Transparent and technology-driven governance remained a central focus of the Chandigarh Administration.

66. The Estate Office has introduced a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) system for processing all applications received online to ensure fairness, transparency and eliminate discretionary processing in public service delivery. Large scale digitization of legacy records and property files is being undertaken.

67. Under the National Geospatial Knowledge Based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) Pilot Project, drone-based surveys and digital mapping are being conducted enabling accurate land records and issuance of Urban Property Cards.

68. On 31^st December 2025, a landmark achievement was recorded with the launch of the ‘Land Stack Project Portal’, a first-of-its-kind initiative integrating urban and rural land records on a single Geographical Information System (GIS) based platform. Land Stack Chandigarh represents a significant step towards modernization of digital land governance and monitoring, improving ease of living for citizens and strengthening institutional efficiency through technology driven integration and GIS enabled visualization.

69. To strengthen direct interaction between citizens and the Administration, weekly Janta Darbarby the Hon’ble Administrator and public meetings by all senior officials of Chandigarh Administration continued to be held regularly at the UT Secretariat. These forums provided citizens a direct platform to present grievances and seek timely redressal, reinforcing responsive and participatory governance.

70. Chandigarh Administration is continuously strengthening the city’s physical, social and institutional infrastructure, thereby enhancing the quality of life of citizens while supporting the vision of a modern, inclusive and sustainable Chandigarh. Major road improvement works from Tribune Chowk to the UT boundary and the Bulk Material Market at Sector-56 are underway, while construction of additional barracks at the Model Jail is set to commence shortly.

71. A multi-level parking facility at the District Courts Complex, Sector-43 is at an advanced stage of completion and a new pedestrian subway between PGI and Panjab University will be undertaken to enhance pedestrian safety.

72. High-level bridges from Khuda Lahora to Sarangpur, between Bapu Dham and Kishangarh alongwith a flyover at Tribune Chowk will be taken up to ease traffic congestion.

73. Dear residents of Chandigarh

As we celebrate this proud occasion of Republic Day, let us renew our faith in the Constitution and reaffirm our collective commitment to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Chandigarh, as a symbol of planned development, good governance and inclusive growth, reflects the spirit of a confident and progressive India. With unity as our strength and service as our resolve, let us continue to work together to build a city that is compassionate, resilient, sustainable and forward-looking.

74. I call upon every resident of Chandigarh to actively partner in this shared journey of development, ensuring that our progress today creates a stronger, fairer and more prosperous tomorrow for future generations. With renewed determination and pride in our democratic values, let us march ahead towards a brighter future for Chandigarh and the nation.

With these words, I once again wish everyone a very Happy Republic Day.

Jai Hind!