Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Community Centre Bookings in Chandigarh Prove Difficult Despite Digital Promises
Imagine you want to book a special room for a party, like a community center.
In Chandigarh, even though they say you can book things easily online, a reporter found out it's very hard.
The reporter had to run between different offices and couldn't get a clear answer.
One important party room has been closed for a long time for repairs but is still not ready.
When the reporter tried to book another room, it was very expensive, and then it turned out to be already booked.
Even employees of the city get a big discount.
The city's mayor admits that the rules are confusing and promises to make it easier for everyone, especially for regular people who just want to use these centers.
Booking a community centre in Chandigarh is a complicated process involving multiple visits to different offices.
Despite digital initiatives, the booking process requires physical forms and direct interaction, often leading to confusion.
The community centre in Sector 23, after 1.5 years of renovation, remains non-operational.
Fees for available community centres are high, with one cited at approximately Rs 30,887.
Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Babla acknowledged the lack of clarity and promised to streamline the booking process and rationalize rates.
- Who
- An Indian Express correspondent and Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Babla
- What
- A confusing and difficult process for booking community centers for events
- When
- Late last month (correspondent's visit)
- Where
- Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) office and e-Sampark centres
- Why
- Lack of clarity in policy, rates, and booking procedures, leading to citizen inconvenience
- Location
- Chandigarh
- Process Discrepancy
- MC office and e-Sampark centers show confusion
- Sector 23 Janghar Status
- Under renovation for 1.5 years, still not operational
- Sector 22 Community Centre Fee
- Approximately Rs 30,887
- Sector 21 Community Centre Fee
- Approximately Rs 30,987
- MC Employee Discount
- Half charges for booking