Introduction

Chandigarh is a Union Territory that also serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. The Governor of Punjab currently holds additional charge as the Administrator of Chandigarh. The proposal to place Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution may allow the Centre to appoint an independent Administrator and frame regulations for Chandigarh without relying on state mechanisms. The move carries political, administrative, and federal ramifications, especially for Punjab and Haryana.

Why in the news? 

Bringing Chandigarh under Article 240 could give the Centre sweeping legislative and administrative powers over the Union Territory, including the ability to repeal or amend laws applicable to Chandigarh through Parliament or Presidential regulations. This marks a sharp departure from the existing model, where Punjab’s Governor also administers Chandigarh. The move could influence bureaucratic control, fiscal provisions, and power distribution among Punjab, Haryana, and the Centre, making the stakes exceptionally high.

Chandigarh’s current administrative arrangement

1. Shared capital system: Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.

2. Additional charge: The Governor of Punjab functions as the Administrator of Chandigarh.

3. UT governance limitations: Chandigarh lacks its own Legislative Assembly.

What Article 240 enables

1. Sweeping Central authority: The President can make regulations for peace, progress, and good government for UTs.

2. Regulatory override: Any law applicable to Chandigarh can be repealed or amended via Parliamentary legislation.

3. Direct central rule template: Similar model followed in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Puducherry (when its Assembly is dissolved/suspended).

Implications if Chandigarh is brought under Article 240

1. Independent Administrator: No additional charge by Punjab Governor; Centre appoints directly.

2. Bureaucratic restructuring: Large administrative staff of Punjab and Haryana currently posted in Chandigarh may face institutional and coordination changes.

3. Legislative possibilities: May enable eventual Legislative Assembly for Chandigarh in the future.

4. Greater Central oversight: Budgetary and policy matters would fall more firmly under Union control.

5. Concerns raised: Critics fear this would give excessive control to the Centre.

Arguments that the move benefits Chandigarh

1. Clear autonomy: Reduced administrative overlap from two states.

2. Institutional accountability: A dedicated Administrator creates faster decision-making.

3. Long-term governance clarity: Removes ambiguity caused by shared capital model.

Previous administrative attempts

1. 1984 attempt: Proposal to appoint an independent Administrator linked to counter-terror coordination; Punjab was under President’s Rule.

2. 2016 attempt: Opposition arose due to the practice of Punjab Governor holding Administrator’s charge.

Conclusion

Placing Chandigarh under Article 240 reflects a significant recalibration of Centre-State dynamics. While the move promises administrative clarity and efficiency, it raises questions of federal balance and the political stakes of Punjab and Haryana. The issue remains a critical case-study in Indian federalism, constitutional design, and UT governance.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2024] What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.

Linkage: The question reflects the recent shift in Centre-State power balance through greater Union control in administrative, fiscal and institutional domains. It links directly with debates like Chandigarh under Article 240, Governor-State tensions, GST Council dynamics and UT re-organisation, core themes of Indian federalism in GS-II.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now