Chandigarh, 14 March 2026:The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, conducted a surprise inspection of the Sector-26 Grain, Fruit and Vegetable Market to review the on-ground functioning and facilities at the mandi.

During the visit, the Administrator took note of certain shortcomings and areas requiring improvement in the management and upkeep of the mandi.

Subsequently, the Administrator, UT Chandigarh, held a meeting with the concerned officers at Lok Bhawan to review the observations made during the inspection. During the meeting, the Administrator showed pictures and videos of the mandi taken during the inspection.

During the meeting, Sh. Kataria directed the concerned officials to assess the areas requiring improvement and take necessary corrective measures in a time-bound manner. The Administrator also emphasized that clear responsibility should be fixed on the concerned officers to ensure effective and timely action.

Taking serious note of the lapses observed by the Administrator, UT Chandigarh, during the inspection, the Secretary Agriculture has issued directions to the Administrator, Market Committee, to take strict action against the delinquent employees.

Accordingly, the services of Harvinder Kumar, Sanitation Inspector (outsourced employee), responsible for sanitation work at Sector 26 Mandi, Chandigarh, have been terminated. Raj Kumar, Auction Recorder, and Sh. Madan Lal, employees of the Market Committee, Chandigarh, have been placed under suspension.

The firm M/s Daksh Detective and Security Services Private Limited has been imposed a penalty of Rs. 50,000/- along with the issuance of a show-cause notice as to why the sanitation tender should not be cancelled for failure to maintain proper sanitation in the Sector 26 Mandi as per the terms and conditions of the Service Level Agreement.

Apart from the above, show-cause notices have been served to Sh. Gurminder Singh, Mandi Supervisor; Sh. Karambir Singh, Auction Recorder; and Sh. Dheeraj Kumar, Kandaman, employees of the Market Committee, Chandigarh, to explain why they failed to supervise the sanitation work of the mandi.

Further, an explanation has also been sought from the Secretary, Market Committee, Chandigarh, regarding the discrepancies.

Reiterating the Administration’s commitment to efficient public services, the Administrator directed officials to ensure better management, sanitation, and overall functioning of the mandi for the convenience of vendors and the general public.