In News:

The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 has generated political debate as it seeks to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, altering its existing administrative arrangement.

What is the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025?

• Nature: A draft constitutional amendment.
• Core Proposal: To include Chandigarh within the ambit of Article 240.
• Rationale:
  • Simplify the Central Government’s law-making process for Chandigarh.
  • Ensure uniformity with other Union Territories (UTs) without legislatures.

What is Article 240?

• Empowers the President of India to make regulations for certain UTs.
• Such regulations have the same force as an Act of Parliament.
• Currently applies to:
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Lakshadweep
  • Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
  • Puducherry (when its Legislative Assembly is suspended or dissolved)
• Chandigarh is not covered at present.

Key Features of the Proposed Amendment

• Inclusion under Article 240: President can directly frame regulations for Chandigarh.
• Administrator Provision: Enables appointment of an independent Administrator, instead of the Punjab Governor holding additional charge.
• Reduced Role of Punjab: Marks a departure from the historical arrangement under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
• Administrative Shift: Strengthens direct Central control over Chandigarh’s governance.

About Chandigarh

Historical Background

• Post-Partition Context: Conceived as a new capital for Indian Punjab after Lahore went to Pakistan.
• Vision: Envisioned by Jawaharlal Nehru as a symbol of modern India, “unfettered by the traditions of the past.”
• Urban Planning: Master plan designed by Le Corbusier, making it a landmark in modernist urban design.
• Foundation Stone: Laid in 1952.
• Site Selection: Foothills of the Shivalik Range, then part of Ambala district.

After Punjab Reorganisation (1966)

• Haryana carved out of Punjab.
• Chandigarh designated as:
  • A Union Territory, and
  • Joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

Existing Governance Structure of Chandigarh

• Administrative Head: Governor of Punjab acts as Administrator of Chandigarh (additional charge).
• Past Arrangement: Had an independent Chief Commissioner/Chief Secretary (1966–1984).
• Control: Directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Legislature: No Legislative Assembly; governance through UT ??????? (Adviser to Administrator, Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, etc.).