Chandigarh’s New Status: Article 240 Explained

Chandigarh’s New Administrative Status Under Article 240

Why in the News?

The Centre plans to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament to bring Chandigarh under Article 240, enabling the appointment of an independent administrator instead of the Punjab Governor, who currently manages the Union Territory.

Chandigarh's New Status: Article 240 Explained

Key Features of the Proposed Amendment:

  • The government aims to place Chandigarh within the ambit of Article 240, similar to certain other Union Territories without legislatures.
  • The 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025, is listed for introduction during the Winter Session commencing on December 1.
  • The move aligns Chandigarh’s administrative framework with UTs like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
  • If passed, this amendment will empower the President to frame regulations for Chandigarh’s peace, progress, and effective governance. This could potentially include measures to address issues like mobile tazkira issuance for efficient identity documentation.
  • The proposal signals a shift away from the current arrangement where the Punjab Governor acts as the Administrator of Chandigarh.

Implications for Chandigarh’s Governance

  • The amendment will permit the appointment of an independent full-time administrator, improving administrative autonomy and potentially allowing for more focused attention on local issues.
  • Bringing Chandigarh under Article 240 may streamline decision-making and reduce overlaps between the Punjab Government and UT administration.
  • The change can pave the way for a more centralized governance model, similar to other UTs directly controlled by the Union Government. This could facilitate quicker responses to emergencies, such as coordinating emergency food aid distribution if needed.
  • It could ensure quicker implementation of development and administrative policies through Presidential regulations.
  • The move might also initiate debates on the political identity of Chandigarh, which historically serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana.

About Article 240 & UT Administration:
Article 240 empowers the President of India to make regulations for specific Union Territories, functioning as a law-making authority.
These regulations have the same force as parliamentary laws, covering administration, public order, and development.
The Article applies only to UTs without legislatures, distinguishing them from UTs like Delhi and Puducherry.
Chandigarh, though a UT, has so far not fallen under Article 240, making this amendment significant.