CHANDIGARH: A delegation of the Chandigarh Business Council (CBC) met His Excellency Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory of Chandigarh, in a meet-and-greet interaction and submitted a memorandum outlining key concerns, policy reforms and development priorities of Chandigarh’s business community.
The memorandum, titled “Building a Progressive, Investment-Friendly and Globally Competitive Chandigarh,” calls for a collaborative approach between the Administration and business stakeholders to strengthen Chandigarh’s position as North India’s preferred destination for trade, investment, entrepreneurship and employment generation.
The delegation highlighted the urgent need to modernise building bylaws governing SCFs, SCOs, booths, commercial properties and industrial units. It sought consideration of need-based modifications, including mezzanine floors, rear courtyard coverage and practical mechanisms for addressing minor deviations, within the applicable legal and planning framework. CBC also advocated the revival of floor-wise and share-wise registration of residential properties to facilitate legitimate transactions and redevelopment.
Other key demands included rationalisation of misuse charges and penalties, improved parking and traffic management in commercial markets, upgradation of Industrial Areas Phases I and II, and examination of underutilised rear-side spaces for organised parking, subject to feasibility and environmental safeguards.
The Council also emphasised single-window clearances, time-bound approvals, digitisation of services, transparent municipal charges, improved civic infrastructure, and stronger promotion of Chandigarh as a destination for business conventions, exhibitions, tourism and investment. It proposed an institutionalised Chandigarh Business–Administration Coordination Forum for regular consultation, grievance redressal and monitoring of action taken.
His Excellency Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, said, “Chandigarh’s progress must be driven by a shared commitment to good governance, planned development and economic prosperity. The concerns and constructive suggestions of the business community merit due consideration, and continued dialogue with stakeholders is important for building a progressive and investment-friendly Chandigarh.”
CBC President Ajay Gupta said, “Our Vision is to make Chandigarh more competitive, business-friendly and attractive for investment while preserving its planned character.”
General Secretary Sanjay Pahwa stated, “Simplified procedures, predictable regulations and time-bound approvals will provide much-needed confidence to traders and entrepreneurs.”
Chief Patron Neeraj Bajaj observed, “Retaining businesses and attracting fresh investment must be a priority to protect employment and strengthen Chandigarh’s economic future.”
Chief Advisor Sat Pal Garg added, “Regular consultation between the Administration and business organisations can turn genuine concerns into practical, lawful and sustainable solutions.”
The delegation was represented by Ajay Gupta, President; Sanjay Pahwa, General Secretary; Neeraj Bajaj, Chief Patron; and Sat Pal Garg, Chief Advisor.
CBC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive cooperation with the Administration, expressing confidence that progressive policies, modern infrastructure and institutionalised stakeholder engagement can help Chandigarh emerge as a model city balancing economic growth, urban planning and quality of life.