Chandigarh, January 8:
In a significant overhaul of its administrative framework, the Chandigarh Administration has abolished the position of Advisor, making the Chief Secretary the central figure in its governance structure. This change, announced on January 8, aims to enhance efficiency and streamline administrative operations.
In addition to the removal of the Advisor role, the administration has taken steps to further strengthen its capacity by increasing the number of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in the region. This restructuring is expected to improve the coordination and execution of various government policies and projects.
Under the revised administrative structure, Chandigarh will now function with 11 key positions, which include:
- Chief Secretary
- Secretary (Home)
- Secretary (Finance)
- Secretary, Town Planning (Smart City)
- Deputy Commissioner (District)
- Joint Secretary (Finance)
- Excise Commissioner
- Secretary
- Additional Secretary
- Additional Deputy Commissioner
These changes are designed to ensure better governance and quicker decision-making processes, particularly in areas like urban planning, finance, and law enforcement.
The move is also a part of a larger plan to modernize the Union Territory’s administrative processes, ensuring that Chandigarh remains at the forefront of administrative innovation. Officials have indicated that these changes will help create a more responsive and transparent governance structure.
Chandigarh, which became a Union Territory on November 1, 1966, has seen various changes in its administrative leadership over the decades. The position of “chief commissioner” was initially the head of administration until June 1984, when the governor of Punjab took charge as the administrator. In 1984, the position of “chief commissioner” was re-designated as “advisor” to the UT administrator, with K Banerjee being the first to hold the post.
This decision comes at a time when Chandigarh has been working to enhance its smart city initiatives, and the new structure is expected to provide more focus on urban development and infrastructure projects. Additionally, experts believe that with these structural changes, the administration will be better equipped to handle emerging challenges and improve public services.
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