In November 2025, the Centre listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill for the Winter Session. It proposed bringing Chandigarh under Article 240, allowing presidential regulations, and could have allowed a separate administrator. Punjab leaders opposed the move, seeing it as weakening Punjab’s claim to Chandigarh. The Union Home Ministry then said there was no intention to introduce the Bill in that session. The proposal was put on hold.
Timeline: from joint capital to proposal
- 1966ReorganisationJoint capital
Chandigarh became a Union Territory and joint capital under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
- 1984AdministrationShared office
Since 1984, Punjab’s Governor has also served as Chandigarh’s Administrator.
- 1985AccordTransfer promise
The Rajiv-Longowal Accord promised Chandigarh’s transfer to Punjab; the transfer was not carried out.
- Nov2025Proposal
The Centre listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill for the Winter Session.
- Nov2025Put on hold
After opposition, the Union Home Ministry said there was no intention to introduce it that session.
What is Article 240 and why does Chandigarh matter?
Article 240 empowers the President to make regulations for certain Union Territories. Such regulations have the force of law and can amend or repeal applicable parliamentary laws.
Chandigarh is a Union Territory and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. The 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord promised its transfer to Punjab, but that transfer was not carried out. Punjab’s Governor has also been Chandigarh’s Administrator since 1984.
The two sides
Concerns in Punjab
- Punjab leaders opposed the proposal as weakening the state’s claim over Chandigarh.
- The existing shared office links Punjab’s Governor with Chandigarh’s administration.
- The unfulfilled transfer promise gives the issue political and historical significance.
Union government and administration
- The proposal would have provided for presidential regulations under Article 240.
- It could also have allowed a separate Lieutenant Governor or administrator.
- The Union Home Ministry said there was no intention to introduce the Bill in the Winter Session.
Key data
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Union Territory and joint capital of Punjab and Haryana since 1966 |
| Administrator | Punjab’s Governor has also administered Chandigarh since 1984 |
| Accord | The 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord promised transfer to Punjab |
| Article 240 | Provides for presidential regulations for certain Union Territories |
| Article 368 | Sets out the procedure for constitutional amendments |
| Proposal | The 131st Amendment Bill was listed in November 2025 and put on hold |
Way forward
- Consultation: Engage Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh’s administration before proposing changes affecting the city.
- Clarity: Explain the legal effect of any proposed amendment and distinguish administration from territorial claims.
- Institutional dialogue: Use regular intergovernmental discussions to address concerns over Chandigarh’s future.
- Service continuity: Protect residents’ access to public services while political discussions continue.
- Public communication: Publish accurate explanations of proposals to reduce misunderstanding.
Likely interview questions
What does Article 240 provide, and why was it discussed in relation to Chandigarh?
Answer pointers:
- It permits presidential regulations for certain Union Territories.
- The listed Bill proposed bringing Chandigarh under the article.
- Distinguish the proposed change from Chandigarh’s existing status.
Do you think bringing Chandigarh under Article 240 would have been desirable?
Answer pointers:
- Presidential regulations could provide an administrative route for lawmaking.
- Punjab leaders saw the proposal as weakening the state’s claim.
- Assess any future proposal through consultation and legal scrutiny.
Do you think the existing arrangement for Chandigarh’s Administrator should continue?
Answer pointers:
- The shared office reflects a longstanding administrative connection with Punjab.
- A separate administrator could offer a different administrative arrangement.
- Consider any change only after dialogue and assessment of its implications.
As a Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Chandigarh, how would you respond to public concern about such a proposal?
Answer pointers:
- Communicate verified information without taking a political position.
- Hear residents’ concerns and maintain public order lawfully.
- Keep essential services running and report concerns to the administration.
How does this issue illustrate federalism in India?
Answer pointers:
- Union Territory administration operates within the constitutional framework.
- Chandigarh’s joint-capital role makes state concerns important.
- Combine constitutional decision-making with meaningful intergovernmental consultation.
Separate the legal question of administration from Punjab’s territorial claim. Acknowledge both administrative considerations and federal sensitivities without treating the proposal as enacted.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. Which constitutional article provides for presidential regulations for certain Union Territories?
(a) Article 240 (b) Article 262 (c) Article 280 (d) Article 324
Show answer
Answer: (a) because Article 240 empowers the President to make regulations for certain Union Territories.
Q2. Under which Act did Chandigarh become a Union Territory and joint capital?
(a) Government of India Act, 1935 (b) Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 (c) States Reorganisation Act, 1956 (d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
Show answer
Answer: (b) because the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 provided for Chandigarh’s reorganisation.
Q3. What did the 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord promise regarding Chandigarh?
(a) Transfer to Haryana (b) Creation of a new state (c) Transfer to Punjab (d) Abolition of its capital role
Show answer
Answer: (c) because the accord promised Chandigarh’s transfer to Punjab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Chandigarh Article 240 proposal?
It was a proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 through the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. It could also have allowed a separate Lieutenant Governor or administrator.
Was the Chandigarh amendment proposal introduced in the 2025 Winter Session?
The Union Home Ministry said there was no intention to introduce it in that session. The proposal was put on hold.
Why does Punjab claim Chandigarh?
Chandigarh’s transfer to Punjab was promised in the 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord. The promised transfer was not carried out.
Sources: Outlook, Tribune, The Statesman, Vision IAS
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