During around one year’s tenure of Chander Gaind, Deputy Commissioner became popular and got a special place in the minds of people of Ferozepur as Public DC because of his number of unique initiatives by associating with various local social organizations and while working for the overall development of the city. There is also resentment among people of Ferozepur on social media over his early transfer.
Chander Gaind, Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur has been given the super-time scale by the Punjab government in view of his good standing services and posted him to an all-important post as Secretary Cooperation.
His popularity started after completion of the successful conduct of elections when he became the first DC to travel in a train to pay tributes to the martyrs – Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala.
He took another unique initiative to motivate the people to become a part of Green Tribunal for planting ten saplings to get Arms Licence which was appreciated by Capt Amarinder Singh through his Tweet with directions to other DCs to follow the same.
Having a long-term vision and love to give a green environment in the coming years, he also arranged the planting of around 3,000 saplings of Amaltas from his residence to Hussainiwala.
Another feather added to his cap was when he fulfilled the desire of one physically-challenged plus two student Anmol Beri of a local school to become DC for a day. She was also declared as the brand ambassador of Beti Bachao-Beti Padho. To give a different look to the visitors entering Ferozepur, DC arranged the installation of statues of Mother and Daughter at the entrance crossing followed by a statute of the grown-up girl with a book in hand.
Among other activities was the complete renovation of Emergency Ward with modern medical facilities, arranging dinner of Orphans and motivating them to concentrate on their studies to serve the country by joining the higher posts.
Last but never the least, giving due respect to the elders, arranged possession of the house to an old lady by visiting personally her village and his saying – “I am like your son to take care of you” – won the hearts of the people.
Once DC Chander Gaind personally visited the Safai Karamcharis in the Town Hall Park to solve their problem there and then. He has a soft corner for every needy class when he also spent time with the visually-impaired inmates of Home for the Blinds over a musical evening on the eve of Diwali and had one-to-one interaction with them and recently helping the newly wedded blind couple with financial assistance from the Red Cross Society.
DC Chander also sought good wishes and blessings on the Diwali festival instead of ‘gifts’ that too was a unique feather in his cap by putting up a notice outside his office chamber and residence.
Old-timers of the city are of the view that the tenure of DC must be for a period of at least three years, to fully understand the people and complete the projects of his concept. The people of Ferozepur are not happy with the early transfer of Chander Gaind, DC. But owing to his popularity, there was immense pressure on the government not to transfer him. However, as per the rules, upon promotion, a Secretary has to be mandatorily posted as an administrative secretary of the department.
During a brief meeting with Chander Gaind, DC, he said, my tenure at Ferozepur will definitely be memorable as I got cooperation from one and all, my seniors, juniors and especially from the elected MLAs and media fraternity, from time to time.
I hope the people will continue to extend the cooperation in the same spirit to my successor Kulwant Singh to continue the developing tradition of border town Ferozepur.
He said anybody is welcome to Chandigarh at my new assignment for any help within my ambit for the development of Ferozepur.
