Context and Background
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clarified that the Centre has no intention of introducing a Constitutional Amendment Bill to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This clarification came following opposition from political parties in Punjab.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment
The Constitution (131 Amendment) Bill 2025 was listed for discussion in the winter session of Parliament starting December 1. The Bill aimed to align Chandigarh's administrative status with other Union Territories without legislatures, like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry, particularly when their Legislative Assemblies are dissolved or suspended.
Current Administrative Structure
Presently, the Governor of Punjab serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh. The proposed amendment would see a Lieutenant Governor governing the Union Territory.
Official Clarification
- The Ministry emphasized that the proposal is still under consideration and no decision has been finalized.
- Any decision will be made after consulting stakeholders to ensure the interests of Chandigarh are protected.
- The Ministry assured that the current governance or administrative arrangement between Chandigarh and Punjab or Haryana will not be altered.