Chandigarh under Article 240: Learn about the Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2025, its provisions, political controversy, governance changes, and implications for Union Territory administration.
Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 — Bringing Chandigarh Under Article 240
What the Proposed Amendment Says
The Government of India is considering introducing the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the aim of bringing the Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. Currently, Chandigarh is administered by the Governor of Punjab, who also holds the charge of its Administrator. Under the new proposal, Chandigarh would be realigned with other UTs that lack legislative assemblies, such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
What Is Article 240?
Article 240 of the Indian Constitution grants the President the power to issue regulations for “peace, progress, and good government” of certain Union Territories. If Chandigarh is added under this Article, the President would have the authority to frame regulations specifically for it, similar to how other UTs are governed.
Key Administrative Changes Proposed
- Independent Administrator / Lt Governor: The amendment paves the way for the appointment of a separate Administrator or Lieutenant Governor (LG) for Chandigarh, replacing the current arrangement where the Punjab Governor oversees the UT.
- Governance Alignment: By bringing Chandigarh under Article 240, its administrative structure would be standardized with other UTs that do not have their own legislatures, making its governance more “centralized” and under direct presidential regulations.
- Simplification of Law-making: The stated rationale by the Centre is that this change would “streamline” and simplify the process of making central laws for Chandigarh.
Political Fallout and Opposition
The proposed bill has sparked strong opposition in Punjab from several political quarters: AAP, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal have criticized it, terming it an attempt to weaken Punjab’s constitutional claim to its capital. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the move as a “grave injustice” and warned that any attempt to sever Chandigarh from Punjab’s influence will not be tolerated. Critics argue that appointing an LG and shifting control to the Centre could erode Punjab’s historical and legal claim on Chandigarh.
Government Clarification
In response to the backlash, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clarified that no final decision has been taken yet. According to MHA, the proposal is still “under consideration” and is primarily focused on simplifying governance, not altering Chandigarh’s existing relationship with Punjab or Haryana. The MHA also stated that any decision will be made after “adequate consultation with all stakeholders.”
Constitutional and Federal Implications
If implemented, this amendment would augment central power in the governance of Chandigarh, shifting considerable authority to the President (via Article 240). This raises deeper debates about federalism in India, especially since Chandigarh is a shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. For Punjab, the move could weaken its hold over the city; for the Centre, it may mean a more uniform administrative model across UTs without legislatures.
Why This News Is Important
Implication for Centre-State Relations
This proposed amendment touches upon a sensitive constitutional issue: the balance of power between the central government and the state of Punjab. By placing Chandigarh under Article 240 and enabling presidential regulation, the Centre could centralize control — a move that many in Punjab view as an erosion of the state’s rights over its capital.
Exam Relevance for Governance & Polity
For students preparing for exams like UPSC, State PSCs, and other government tests, this issue is very relevant under the Polity and Governance section. It relates to constitutional amendments, centralization vs decentralization, and the administrative classification of Union Territories — all important topics in Indian polity.
Political Sensitivity and Electoral Impact
The row has escalated into a political controversy, with major Punjab parties strongly resisting the proposal. The outcome could influence federal trust, electoral politics in Punjab, and broader center-state dynamics. Political packets like this can also influence future policy-making for other UTs.
Historical Context
Chandigarh’s Unique Administrative Status
- Chandigarh has a special status in India: it serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, yet it is also a Union Territory.
- After the 1966 reorganisation of Punjab (when Haryana was carved out), Chandigarh was declared a shared capital for both states.
- From June 1, 1984, the Governor of Punjab also became the Administrator of Chandigarh, replacing the earlier system when it was run by a Chief Secretary.
Precedents of UT Governance
- Several Union Territories without legislatures (like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep) are already governed under Article 240, giving the President regulatory power.
- Chandigarh’s proposed inclusion under Article 240 would align its governance structure with these UTs, but critics argue that its shared capital status with Punjab (and Haryana) makes it fundamentally different from most UTs.
Punjab’s Historical Claim
- Many in Punjab feel a strong emotional and constitutional connection to Chandigarh, calling it their rightful capital.
- Over decades, there have been promises and political agreements about transferring Chandigarh fully to Punjab, but these have not been fully resolved, creating a lingering sense of unfulfilled rights.
Key Takeaways from This News
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes bringing Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. |
| 2 | Article 240 gives the President power to make regulations for certain Union Territories; adding Chandigarh would bring its governance under direct presidential regulation. |
| 3 | The amendment could lead to the appointment of an independent Administrator or Lieutenant Governor for Chandigarh, replacing its current governance under Punjab’s Governor. |
| 4 | There is strong political opposition from Punjab (AAP, Congress, Akali Dal) — they argue this move weakens Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh. |
| 5 | The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that the proposal is still under consideration, and no final decision has been taken; consultations with stakeholders will follow. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025?
It is a proposed amendment aimed at bringing Chandigarh under Article 240, allowing the President to issue regulations for its governance.
2. What does Article 240 of the Indian Constitution entail?
Article 240 empowers the President of India to make regulations for the “peace, progress, and good government” of certain Union Territories that do not have a legislative assembly.
3. Why is the bill controversial in Punjab?
Punjab opposes the amendment because Chandigarh is a shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, and the bill may reduce Punjab’s administrative influence over the city.
4. Will Chandigarh get a separate Lieutenant Governor?
Yes, the proposed amendment allows for the appointment of an independent Administrator or Lieutenant Governor (LG) for Chandigarh, aligning it with other UTs without legislatures.
5. Is the bill already passed by the Parliament?
No, the Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that the proposal is still under consideration, and no final decision has been made yet.
6. How will this amendment affect governance in Chandigarh?
If implemented, the President would have regulatory powers, and laws could be made for Chandigarh directly under central authority, similar to other UTs like Lakshadweep or Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
7. Which other UTs are governed under Article 240?
UTs without legislative assemblies such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu are already governed under Article 240.
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