MoSJE’s National Chintan Shivir in Chandigarh moves from vision to action on Day 2 with focused State–Centre deliberations

Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar joins Day 2 sessions of Chintan Shivir focused on intensive State–Centre deliberations

Union MoS Shri B. L. Verma terms Day 2 deliberations “enriching and grounded in field realities” at National Chintan Shivir

Early morning yoga session led by Minister of State Shri B. L. Verma sets tone for day‑long thematic discussions with States/UTs

Five breakout groups engage on scholarship reform, Nasha Mukt Bharat, dignity in labour, ageing with dignity and early intervention for Divyang children

Thematic discussions focus on community engagement and public–private–people partnerships for inclusive service delivery

Chandigarh, 25 APR 2026:The three‑day National Chintan Shivir on Antyodaya ka Sankalp, Amrit Kaal ka Pratibimb – Viksit Bharat@2047 entered its second day in Chandigarh today with a sharp focus on strengthening community engagement, public–private–people partnerships and last‑mile delivery of social justice schemes in collaboration with States and Union Territories. Building on the inaugural emphasis on inclusive and accountable governance, the deliberations brought together Ministers and senior officials from across the country to work on time‑bound, implementable solutions.

The day began with a joint yoga session in which senior officials of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), State/UT delegates and other participants took part, with Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri B. L. Verma joining the session along with dignitaries. The programme set a wellness‑oriented and participative tone for the day’s proceedings and underscored the Ministry’s commitment to holistic, person‑centred approaches in social justice delivery.

At the thematic breakfast on “Leveraging Community Engagement and Exploring Public–Private–People Partnerships (PPPP) model for Enhanced Social Justice Delivery”, participants discussed how local communities, civil society organisations and private sector institutions can complement government efforts to reach the most marginalised. The exchanges highlighted practical PPPP models that can strengthen work on de‑addiction, senior care, scholarship delivery, support to sanitation workers and rehabilitation of vulnerable groups.

During the Day 2 sessions, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar joined the proceedings and closely followed the thematic discussions with States and Union Territories. Recalling the overall objectives of the Shivir, he reiterated that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 in the social sector must rest on the three pillars of dignity, accessibility and continuity for the last person in the queue, and stressed that deliberations with States and UTs are aimed at moving from welfare to empowerment by ensuring that benefits sanctioned on paper translate into uninterrupted, user‑friendly services on the ground for students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups.

In his outline of the Chintan Shivir process, the Secretary, Shri Sudhansh Pant, DoSJE, noted that ten key themes have been identified—seven from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and three from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). Participants have been divided into five theme‑based groups, each guided by a Lead Coordinator and Rapporteur, to work towards concise presentations capturing key policy issues, implementation gaps, best practices and clear action points with timelines, instead of generic discussions.

During the breakout session for Day 2, the five thematic groups engaged with their first set of themes under the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework.

Group I discussed “Shiksha se Samridhi: Strengthening Scholarship Delivery and Educational Access”, focusing on timely and seamless scholarship access, consistent implementation across States/UTs, faster verification and disbursement, improved grievance redressal and attention to student well‑being.

Group II worked on “Nasha Mukt Bharat: Strengthening De‑Addiction and Rehabilitation Ecosystems”, examining expansion of treatment and rehabilitation facilities, digital monitoring, inter‑sectoral coordination and community‑based outreach.

Group III deliberated on “Shram ki Garima: Dignity in Labour”, with emphasis on transition from manhole to machine‑hole systems, Mission Zero sanitation‑related deaths, and ensuring safety, dignity and social security for sanitation workers.

Group IV discussed “Ageing with Dignity: Ageing in place with holistic approach and infrastructure support systems in India”, focusing on elderly care infrastructure, social and financial security, and better utilisation of umbrella schemes and legal frameworks.

Group V addressed “Nanhe Kadam Swavalamban ki Ore: Early Intervention”, with a focus on early identification and intervention for children with disabilities and developmental challenges, and convergence of services at community level.

Across these group discussions, States and Union Territories shared field‑level bottlenecks and showcased replicable innovations such as improved scholarship release systems, integrated de‑addiction monitoring platforms, senior care models, and early intervention strategies. The emphasis remained on drawing up specific, stakeholder‑anchored action points that can be taken forward through Ministry guidelines, digital platforms like SAMAVESH and SETU, and strengthened Centre–State coordination.

A thematic lunch on “Strengthening Last‑Mile Delivery and Implementation Mechanism in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE)” further enabled Ministers and senior officials to reflect on district‑level delivery challenges, simplification of processes and data‑driven monitoring. The discussions reiterated the need for harmonised scholarship systems, streamlined de‑addiction and rehabilitation pathways, and robust monitoring frameworks that clearly specify responsibilities at the Centre, State and district levels.

In his concluding remarks for the day, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri B. L. Verma described the deliberations as “enriching and grounded in field realities” and thanked the participating States and Union Territories for their candid inputs and constructive suggestions. He said that the National Chintan Shivir “is not merely a three‑day event, but a collective Sankalp to strengthen last‑mile delivery so that every scholarship, every support for a senior citizen, every intervention under Nasha Mukt Bharat or for persons with disabilities reaches the intended beneficiary with dignity and without delay”, and expressed confidence that the recommendations emerging from the group work would help the Ministry and States move together from ideas to implementation.

The recommendations emerging from Day 2 deliberations will be refined on the final day, when groups take up their second set of themes related to Antyodaya se Aatmanirbharata, Samaveshan–Pehchan–Ekikaran, Arthik Sashaktikaran, Accessibility and Certification for Persons with Disabilities, thereby contributing to a more just, inclusive and accessible Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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A meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Food and Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology, U.T., Chandigarh, with participation from various commercial, industrial, and restaurant association representatives and IOAGPL.

CHANDIGARH, 25.04.26-A meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Food and Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology, U.T., Chandigarh, with participation from various commercial, industrial, and restaurant association representatives and IOAGPL.

Participants raised concerns regarding possible high pricing and lack of transparency. It was noted that while consumers are willing to shift to PNG, apprehensions regarding unnecessary price hikes and lack of transparency in rates and other security deposits are discouraging the transition. IOAGPL was requested to make a detailed presentation to the associations and provide clarity on commercial pricing. Below is the detailed note on providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to commercial establishments

Detailed Note – IOAGPL PNG Onboarding Process for Commercial Units
Indian Oil Adani Gas Pvt. Ltd. (IOAGPL) has established a comprehensive and transparent onboarding process for providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to commercial establishments. The process is designed to ensure regulatory compliance (as per PNGRB norms), operational efficiency, and flexibility in payment mechanisms.

The onboarding process begins with the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) form by the prospective customer. This form captures essential details such as the name and address of the commercial unit, authorized signatory, type of establishment, and existing fuel usage patterns including fuel type, quantity, and operating hours. Based on this information, IOAGPL conducts a technical load assessment to determine the appropriate meter or Metering and Regulating Skid (MRS) and evaluates the distance from the nearest gas pipeline to the customer’s premises for connectivity.

Subsequently, IOAGPL provides a commercial proposal outlining key financial and technical aspects. The commercial gas price for Chandigarh (UT) is ₹2058.14 per MMBTU, with applicable VAT of 12.5%. The proposal includes details of the Connection Security Deposit (CSD), which is an interest-free and refundable amount (subject to applicable deductions at the time of disconnection). Customers are offered flexible payment options for CSD, including:
* Upfront Payment Scheme (full deposit paid in advance),
* Rental Scheme (no upfront deposit; non-refundable rental charged in bills), and
* Equated Fortnightly Installment (EFI) Scheme (25% upfront and balance in installments through gas bills).

Metering options vary based on load requirements, with defined flow rates, pressure ranges, and corresponding deposit/rental structures. These are finalized after load assessment. GST at 18% is applicable on rental charges.

In addition, customers are required to submit a Payment Security Deposit (PSD) against gas consumption. This is calculated based on estimated consumption: 30 days for cash deposit or 45 days for a bank guarantee. The calculation is derived from the customer’s existing fuel consumption, converted into equivalent natural gas energy terms.

The responsibility for burner conversion and installation of the Internal Pipeline (IP) lies with the customer. IOAGPL’s scope is limited to laying underground and above-ground pipelines up to the meter installation point. The internal pipeline must be installed in compliance with PNGRB norms and inspected by an empaneled Third-Party Inspection Agency (TPIA), which issues a “Fit for Use” certificate. This certification, along with IP layout drawings, must be submitted to IOAGPL. Periodic re-testing of the IP is mandatory every three years.

Upon acceptance of the commercial proposal, the customer completes registration by signing the agreement, submitting KYC documents, and depositing the applicable CSD. IOAGPL then undertakes the installation of pipelines and meters at the site. After successful installation of the IP and submission of required documents, along with PSD payment, IOAGPL proceeds with commissioning of gas supply.

Billing is carried out on a fortnightly basis, with payments due within 7 days of invoice generation. Under the rental and EFI schemes, applicable charges continue even during periods of zero gas consumption. While there are no fixed or minimum consumption charges, all pricing and terms remain subject to revision as per company policy.

Overall, the process ensures a structured transition to PNG with clarity in pricing, defined responsibilities, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards.