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The Modi Government is gearing up to introduce a special Bill related to Chandigarh in the upcoming session of Parliament. Read more on the exclusive report of Dynamite News.
Constitution Amendment Bill on Chandigarh
New Delhi: With the Lok Sabha session commencing on December 1, the Central Government is preparing to table a significant Bill concerning Chandigarh, triggering political buzz across Punjab.
According to Dynamite News correspondent, the 37-page Bulletin issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat mentions on Page 36 that the government may introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The bulletin states: “To include the Union Territory of Chandigarh in Article 240 of the Constitution of India, in alignment with other Union Territories without legislatures, namely, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry (when its Legislative Assembly is dissolved or suspended).”
Following the publication of this proposal, political circles in Punjab have begun questioning the intent behind the amendment and what the Central Government aims to achieve through it.
Speculation is rife over whether the government is considering appointing a separate administrator for Chandigarh, similar to the position of Lieutenant Governor in other Union Territories, since currently, the Governor of Punjab also serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh.
At present, Gulab Chand Kataria holds the position. He assumed charge on 31 July 2024 and serves concurrently as the Governor of Punjab.
From 1952 to 1966—the year Haryana was carved out of Punjab-Chandigarh served as the capital of Punjab. Citizens of the city were represented in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, and the local administration was headed by a Chief Commissioner. During the period of undivided Punjab, Chandigarh functioned as a regular part of the state’s administrative framework.
When Punjab was reorganized in 1966, both Punjab and Haryana laid claim to Chandigarh as their capital. Pending a final decision, the Central Government declared Chandigarh a Union Territory under Section 4 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, effective from 1 November 1966. Since then, the administration of the UT has functioned directly under the Central Government. As per the Act, the laws that were in force in the erstwhile State of Punjab prior to 1 November 1966 continue to apply to Chandigarh.
The practice of appointing a Chief Commissioner as the Administrator continued until 31 May 1984. Thereafter, on 1 June 1984, the Governor of Punjab assumed direct charge as the Administrator of the Union Territory. The position of Chief Commissioner was subsequently redesignated as Adviser to the Administrator.
Since June 1984, the Governor of Punjab has continued to serve as the Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
