UT Administrator Gen eral (Retd) S F Rodrigues has asked officials in the Administration to look at alternative sources of energy for the city. Speaking at a public hearing session on Monday, he suggested that the alternative sources of energy could provide a long-term solution to the energy crisis. A core group of officers, comprising the Secretary to the Governor, the Finance Secretary and the Chief Engineer, has been assigned to look into the matter. The Municipal Commissioner has been asked to study the scope of using organic manure in agricultural fields and methods of generating electricity from cow dung. General Rodrigues has also asked the Administration to further strengthen the Public Grievances Mechanism in their respective organisations and to improve the service delivery systems in the Union Territory. He also discussed the status of various housing projects and dwelling units in the city. He asked the Chairman of the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) to monitor the progress and examine the feasibility of setting up a low-income scheme in the southern sectors. Giving special emphasis to development strategies for the empowerment of women and people in distress, General Rodrigues called for instituting counselling services in government offices, which would extend necessary guidance and advice to those in need. A helpline service has already begun in the Empowerment Centre that recently opened in Sector 19. Expressing concern about the increasing complaints in different cooperative societies, the Administrator directed the deputy commissioner to initiate legal proceedings against the defaulters and offenders. Reacting to the demand of a Chandigarh Transport Union (CTU) deputation, for amending the order on reserving seats for women in CTU buses, Gen Rodrigues stated that the male passengers would vacate seats for females whenever required. He also asked the Special Secretary of Finance to set up a team of experts to overview the special homes coming up for the mentally challenged, crippled and streetchildren. Adviser to Administrator Pradip Mehra, Chairman of CHB Mohanjeet Singh, IG S K Jain were among those officials who attended today's session.