AAP Chandigarh submits memorandum to Chief Secretary demanding Special Camp by Housing Board for senior citizens; seeks time-bound redressal system
Chandigarh, November 12:
A delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chandigarh led by Omkar Singh Aulakh, General Secretary, met the Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration today and submitted a memorandum demanding the organization of a Special Camp by the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) for the expeditious resolution of long-pending cases of senior citizens, widows, retired professionals, and differently-abled persons.
The delegation, which included Councillor Yogesh Dhingra, Leader of Opposition Jaswinder Kaur, Sukhraj Sandhu (Working President, Women Cell), Deshraj Sanawar (President, SC Cell), and Vikrant A. Tanwar (State Media In-Charge), expressed deep concern over the tragic death of a 78-year-old senior citizen during a CHB hearing at the UT Secretariat on November 4, terming it a result of administrative delay and lack of empathy.
AAP President Vijaypal Singh, in the memorandum, urged the Administration to direct the Housing Board to hold a Special Camp where officials from all sections technical, legal, and building plan can sit together at one venue and resolve cases on priority. He further suggested that the first phase of the camp should be dedicated to senior citizens, widows, retired professionals, and differently-abled persons, followed by a second phase for general applicants.
The party also proposed setting up a First Aid facility and documentation assistance desk at the camp to ensure elderly participants do not face inconvenience. AAP further recommended the creation of a dedicated Grievance Redressal Cell within the CHB to function as a single-window platform for efficient and transparent complaint resolution.
Highlighting the need for structural reforms, the memorandum also called for the introduction of a One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme to resolve minor and long-pending construction violation cases, allowing citizens relief and helping the Board clear backlogs, improve revenue, and restore public trust.
It was emphasized that all construction-related or regularization cases should be resolved within 90 days, and that minor household improvements such as balcony grills, safety doors, or storage units should not be treated as violations but as essential needs of everyday living.
The Chief Secretary gave a positive assurance and said the matter will be examined seriously to ensure that such an unfortunate incident never occurs again.
AAP Chandigarh stated that this initiative would mark a crucial step toward making the Housing Board more humane, accountable, and citizen-friendly, ensuring dignity and justice for all residents of the city.
Vikrant A Tanwar
State Media In-Charge,
Aap Chandigarh.
