Relevance: GS2 – Polity & Administration | Source: Indian Express

Context

A Constitution Amendment Bill was listed for the Winter Session proposing changes to Chandigarh’s governance under Article 240, triggering protests in Punjab. Following criticism, the Union Home Ministry clarified that no such Bill will be introduced now and that the proposal is still “under consideration”.

The UT of Chandigarh

• Created under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
  
• Serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
  
• Punjab Governor functions as the Administrator of Chandigarh (a unique arrangement).
  
• Governed directly by the Union Home Ministry, without a Legislature.

What Was the Proposed Bill?

• Aimed to include Chandigarh under Article 240, allowing the President to make regulations for the Union Territory (similar to Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, etc.).
  
• Would enable appointment of an independent Administrator/Lt. Governor, instead of the Punjab Governor acting as Administrator.
  
• Justified as a move to standardise law-making for UTs without legislatures.
  

Why the Protests? 

• Punjab claims Chandigarh as its rightful capital under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
  
• Critics say the Bill weakens Punjab’s historical and political claim.
  
• Fear of centralisation and loss of existing administrative arrangements.
  
• Seen as a sensitive issue amid long-standing Punjab–Haryana disputes.
  

Way Ahead

• Hold inclusive consultations with Punjab and Haryana.
  
• Maintain status quo until political consensus is achieved.
  
• Ensure any changes to Chandigarh’s governance preserve federal balance and comply with the Punjab Reorganisation Act.
  

Consider the following statements regarding Article 240 of the Constitution:

1. It empowers the President to make regulations for all Union Territories.
   
2. Chandigarh is currently included under Article 240.
   
3. Regulations made under Article 240 have the same force as Parliamentary law.
   

Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)