The Central Government has officially clarified that there will be no bill presented in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament concerning the administration of Chandigarh. While a proposal to streamline the law-making process for the Union Territory is under consideration, no final decision has been reached. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) emphasized that the plan does not intend to alter Chandigarh’s current governance structure or its long-standing administrative ties with Punjab and Haryana.
This clarification comes amid significant political debate and opposition from various leaders in Punjab. Earlier, a Parliament bulletin had indicated a potential move to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, which grants the President powers to frame regulations for Union Territories. This prospect sparked concerns about a potential shift in administrative control and a dilution of Punjab’s claims over its capital.
The MHA has assured that any future decisions regarding Chandigarh’s administration will be made only after thorough consultations with all relevant stakeholders, prioritizing the Union Territory’s best interests. The government stressed that there is no immediate cause for alarm and reiterated its commitment to transparent decision-making. The proposed constitutional amendment, if ever pursued, would have allowed the President to directly appoint an administrator, rather than the current arrangement where the Governor of Punjab holds this additional charge.