Chandigarh, January 20, 2026: In a significant step toward promoting participatory governance, the Chandigarh Territorial Congress Committee today unveiled the Ideas Bank, an innovative online platform designed to engage residents directly in shaping the city’s development.
The initiative allows citizens to submit ideas, suggestions, and solutions on issues affecting everyday life in Chandigarh, ensuring public feedback plays an active role in political decision-making and city planning.
A Platform for Active Civic Engagement
At a press conference held at Congress Bhawan, Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari highlighted the importance of the initiative. “Chandigarh is a city with an aware, engaged, and deeply invested citizenry. The Ideas Bank provides a structured way for residents to articulate their vision for the city’s future,” Tewari said.
Chandigarh Congress President Harmohinder Singh Lucky emphasized that the Ideas Bank is action-oriented. “Citizens can submit their ideas directly through the portal. These inputs will help identify key focus areas, enabling the Congress to address the most pressing challenges the city faces at any given time,” he explained.
Addressing Local Issues
During the launch, Tewari also raised concerns about the lack of action by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation against the contractor of the animal carcass incineration plant in Raipur Kalan. The remarks came in response to the recent deaths of over 50 cows in the city, highlighting ongoing environmental and civic concerns that require urgent attention.
How the Ideas Bank Works
The Ideas Bank portal is designed for accessibility and transparency. Citizens can:
- Submit ideas and suggestions related to city planning, sanitation, transport, safety, and other local issues.
- Track which ideas are being implemented or considered by the Congress-led committees.
- Participate in surveys and feedback sessions to prioritize the most critical civic challenges.
By creating a structured online space for public input, the Chandigarh Congress aims to strengthen citizen engagement and ensure governance reflects the collective needs and aspirations of the community.
Summary & Key Highlights
- Launch of Ideas Bank: Chandigarh Congress unveils an online portal for citizen participation.
- Objective: To incorporate public suggestions into city governance and decision-making.
- Leadership Statements: MP Manish Tewari and Congress President H.S. Lucky emphasize active engagement and action-oriented approach.
- Civic Concerns: Raises questions about inaction on the Raipur Kalan incineration plant following over 50 cow deaths.
- Citizen Empowerment: Residents can submit, track, and prioritize ideas for city improvement.
The Ideas Bank initiative marks a notable attempt by the Chandigarh Congress to involve citizens directly in governance, blending technology and civic engagement for a more participatory democracy.