• Source:JND
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Chandigarh Row: The Union government of India issued a clarification over proposed administrative changes in Chandigarh after stiff ire erupted following a parliament bulletin that said the government was planning to establish an independent administration in the UT.

A political storm was triggered after the bulletin said the centre’s plan to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming winter session of Parliament to frame regulations for Chandigarh.

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MHA Clarification After Chandigarh Uproar

Providing a clarification, the Union Home Ministry said that 'no final decision' has been taken and that the "decision will only be made after consultation with all stakeholders". Through an X post, the Ministry also said that it does not plan to bring the bill this winter session either.

The MHA said, writing on X, “A proposal to ease lawmaking for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is under the central government's consideration. No final decision has been made. This proposal does not contain anything about Chandigarh's administration or its traditional ties with Punjab or Haryana. Any decision will be taken only after consulting all stakeholders and with Chandigarh's interests in mind. The Centre does not plan to bring any Bill in this regard in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.”

What Constitution’s 131 Amendment Mean For Chandigarh

As listed in the Rajya Sabha bulletin, through the 131st amendment to the Constitution, the Bharatiya Janata Party ruling central government seeks to bring Chandigarh under the ambit of Article 240, entrusting the President of India to frame regulations for Chandigarh, like several other Union Territories without a legislative assembly.

As per Article 240 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India holds the right to frame administrative regulations for the peace and good governance of Union Territories, (a) the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; (b) Lakshadweep (c) Dadra and Nagar Haveli; (d) Daman and Diu; and (e) Puducherry.

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With the inclusion of Chandigarh under Article 240, the President will have the right to appoint the Lieutenant Governor to administer the Union Territory. Currently Punjab Governor serves an additional duty as the administrative head of Chandigarh.

If Bill is passed by the House, the President could appoint the Lieutenant Governor for the Union Territory, marking the exit of the Punjab Governor and probably the Punjab government from Chandigarh.

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