New Delhi, February 13, 2026 – Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari expressed his deep concern in the Lok Sabha today over the non-allocation of social security pension funds in Chandigarh since October 2025, calling it “extremely dismaying.” Speaking during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, Tewari also highlighted the long-standing issues in Chandigarh’s Industrial Area, which have remained unresolved for over two decades.
Tewari drew attention to the struggles of senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities, whose pension disbursements have been delayed for months. He reminded the House that Chandigarh, as a Union Territory under the direct control of the Central Government, receives annual budget allocations between Rs 6,500 and Rs 6,900 crore. “It is very unfortunate that since October 2025, there has been no allocation for the social security pension in Chandigarh,” he said. Tewari further pointed out that the city provides the lowest pension support at Rs 1,000, compared to Rs 1,500 in Punjab and Rs 3,500 in Haryana, underscoring the urgent need for immediate disbursement to vulnerable citizens.
The MP also raised concerns regarding ex-servicemen in Chandigarh, highlighting that many have served the nation with great honour and courage. He expressed disappointment over the Finance Bill 2026, which restricts the income tax exemption on service element plus disability benefits to only those invalided out of service. Tewari urged the government to restore this exemption fully, emphasizing that ex-servicemen deserve fair recognition and financial support.
Addressing the long-standing issues of Chandigarh’s Industrial Area, Tewari noted that the low floor-area ratio (FAR) limits have hampered industrial growth. In response, Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje explained that FAR limits have gradually increased from 0.5 to 1 depending on plot sizes but remain significantly lower than neighbouring Punjab and Haryana, where FAR norms range between 2.5 and 3. A committee under the Chandigarh Administration, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner-cum-Estate Officer, is reviewing building regulations and civic infrastructure improvements as prerequisites for potential FAR increases.
However, demands for the conversion of industrial plots from leasehold to freehold and the rectification of defective land titles remain under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). A proposal submitted by the Chandigarh Administration for leasehold-to-freehold conversion has been examined but not approved by the MHA, leaving industrial owners in continued uncertainty.
Tewari placed two specific demands before the Central Government: the immediate allocation of social security pension funds for Chandigarh and full restoration of income tax exemptions on service element plus disability benefits for ex-servicemen. He also stressed the importance of revisiting Industrial Area regulations to allow higher FAR, prevent land loss, improve civic services, and resolve leasehold-to-freehold conversion issues.
With pension delays affecting thousands of vulnerable residents and industrial reforms pending for decades, Tewari’s intervention highlights the urgent need for government action to address both social welfare and economic growth in Chandigarh.