Sanjay Tandon meets Chandigarh Chief Secretary, pushes for freehold rights, EWS ownership, teachers’ parity and sports infrastructure reforms

Chandigarh, February 20, 2026: Senior BJP leader & BJP National Council Member Sanjay Tandon on Friday held a long meeting with H Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary of Chandigarh, during which he raised several key civic, property and education-related issues and urged the administration to take early action.
One of the main issues discussed during the meeting was the transfer of ownership rights to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) beneficiaries. Tandon shared his suggestions on granting ownership rights to EWS allottees and emphasised the need to convert their properties from leasehold to freehold. He said such a move would provide long-term security and empowerment to beneficiaries and expressed hope that the administration would take a positive decision soon.
Tandon also strongly raised the broader issue of converting leasehold commercial, industrial and residential properties across the city into freehold. He stressed the need for the administration to prepare a clear roadmap to gradually free Chandigarh from what he described as the “leasehold burden.”
He also shared details of past efforts made in this regard at the level of Home Minister and elsewhere and said he was hopeful that the city administration would examine the matter sympathetically.
Another important issue discussed was related to teachers of government-aided schools and colleges. Tandon highlighted concerns regarding their pension benefits, retirement age and pay parity. He emphasised the need to bring their service conditions at par with teachers working in full-fledged government institutions. The Chief Secretary assured him that the matter would be examined in detail.
The two also discussed the utilisation of school grounds for promoting sports activities. Tandon suggested that school playgrounds should be used more effectively to encourage sports and youth development in the city. The Chief Secretary assured him that the administration would look into the proposal meaningfully.
Speaking after the meeting, Tandon said he was hopeful that the Chandigarh Administration would take constructive steps on these important issues, which directly affect residents, property holders, teachers and youth in the city. He expressed confidence that positive decisions would be taken in the larger public interest.