In a demand seeking representation across sections of society in the UT Advisory Council, the Chandigarh Social Welfare Council has told the Home Secretary that members in the committee should not remain confined to a few eminent residents of the city.

The UT Administration is currently in the process of constitution of the Council. The Council that was constituted on February 2, 2007 for a period of two years with an objective to advise the Administration on the issues of development and policy matters affecting the UT remained defunct for its entire term.

The members stated that the administration has failed to acknowledge that a vibrant section of sectors from Sector 48 to 51 and ahead has come to exist. It was said that the Administration should include “natural representatives” of the area so that aspirations of the residents of third phase sectors also find representation.

The representation to Home Secretary Ram Niwas further states that the officials, who are included as ex officio members, are already assigned with work in many departments in their respective official capacities. They are responsible to evolve policies and implement these for the benefit of the residents. The members of the Advisory Council should bring forth such issues, which are overlooked while officials are discharging their regular functions.

General Secretary of the council Satish Sharma said with Chandigarh Administration desiring a widely-representative Administrator’s Advisory Council, reflecting the aspirations of different social, political and business interests, a judicious mix of the grassroot level representatives and experienced retired people should exist.