Kataria reviews key policies aimed at strengthening educational infrastructure, encouraging sporting excellence in Chandigarh

The UDAAN initiative was reviewed, under which coaching institutes are currently providing free coaching to 125 meritorious government school students for competitive exams like JEE, NEET etc. In addition to academic coaching, a structured mentorship component has been introduced wherein experienced educators and professionals are guiding students through regular mentorship sessions.

These cover academic planning, motivational support, stress management and holistic personal development, ensuring that each student receives not only instructional but also emotional and strategic guidance throughout their preparation.

The review of the Sports Department highlighted major initiatives, including the upcoming first-ever International Chandigarh Marathon scheduled for November 2025, with a World Athletics-certified route and a digital portal developed by BISAG. Major infrastructure upgrades are underway for the construction of an Olympic-standard swimming pool, a multipurpose indoor hall and a hostel for girls at Sector 42. The upgraded cricket ground at Sector 16 will be inaugurated in August.

Kataria also took stock of the successful hosting of several national-level championships this year, including the North Zone Chess Championship and the National Championship of Table Tennis, the recruitment of new coaches and the release of financial support to sports associations.

In the Higher and Technical Education sector, the Administrator reviewed faculty recruitment and rationalisation of posts. The department briefed that two rounds of centralised counselling have resulted in over 95 per cent seat occupancy across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with an increase of 200 UG seats for the 2025–26 session. Kataria emphasised the need for robust monitoring of faculty performance across higher education institutions and enhanced focus on sports infrastructure and programmes in colleges.

Transparent performance evaluation systems, aligned with both academic and athletic outcomes, were proposed. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the EduCity project in Sarangpur, the roadmap for granting autonomous status to select colleges and upcoming institutional collaborations under the Chandigarh Skill Development Mission. Initiatives like the Model ITI at Burail Jail and participation in the National ITI Upgradation Scheme were also noted as transformative efforts in vocational and technical education.

Kataria appreciated the proactive initiatives undertaken by all departments and emphasised the importance of sustained momentum. “The Education and Sports Departments have taken commendable steps to empower students and youth in Chandigarh. I call upon the departments to further streamline processes, ensure last-mile delivery and set clear performance indicators so that the impact of these programmes is both measurable and meaningful to stakeholders,” he stated.

He also issued directions for regular progress monitoring, enhanced interdepartmental coordination, and the adoption of technology to improve transparency, accountability, and service delivery.