In a significant development for the city's strategic planning, Panjab University (PU) is set to launch a series of five crucial initiatives after receiving in-principle approval from NITI Aayog's Mission Implementation Committee (MIC). The approval, granted under the State Support Mission (SSM) for the 2025-26 period, designates PU as the "Lead knowledge institute for Chandigarh" and mandates the completion of all projects by March 31, 2026.
Central Focus on Environment and Air Quality
The most prominent among the approved proposals is a project dedicated to environment and climate change. It envisions the creation of a centralised, real-time air quality pollutant mapping dashboard powered by data analytics. This platform is designed to provide Chandigarh's administration with critical data to drive informed policy decisions and action plans for improving air quality.
However, the MIC has set a clear condition: mission funds cannot be used to purchase hardware like air quality monitoring sensors. The university has agreed to submit a revised proposal confirming compliance with this directive, focusing instead on data analysis and dashboard development.
A Diverse Portfolio for Holistic Development
The remaining four projects approved by the committee cover a broad spectrum of urban development and social welfare areas:
- Tourism Enhancement: A study aimed at transforming Chandigarh's identity from a transit city to a stronger tourism destination by exploring ways to boost its offerings and appeal.
- Healthcare Screening: A project focused on the analysis and screening of iron deficiency anaemia to build evidence for targeted public health responses.
- Entrepreneurship Promotion: The "Create your start-up" programme has been cleared to guide aspiring entrepreneurs. The committee advised leveraging existing resources like the iGOT Karmayogi platform to avoid duplication of content and effort.
- Workforce Policy Planning: This initiative involves conducting a skill gap mapping exercise and developing assessment tools for Chandigarh. The goal is to shape reforms in education, employability, and economic capacity building.
Strict Timelines and Conditions
The MIC reviewed PU's proposals in detail and granted approval subject to specific conditions. A key directive is that all five projects have been capped at a six-month duration, with a firm deadline of March 31, 2026, for completion. This structured timeline underscores the mission-oriented approach of the State Support Mission, aiming for swift, actionable outcomes that can directly benefit Chandigarh's administration and citizens.
This move marks a pivotal step in leveraging academic expertise for direct policy impact, positioning Panjab University as a central pillar in Chandigarh's journey towards data-driven governance and sustainable urban development.
