Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025

Context: The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 has generated a major political controversy after proposing to bring Chandigarh under Article 240, altering its long-standing administrative structure and Centre–State arrangements.

What the Bill Proposes

A draft amendment to include Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution.

This places Chandigarh in the group of Union Territories (UTs) where the President can directly make regulations having the same force as Acts of Parliament.

Aim of the Bill

To simplify the Central Government’s law-making process for Chandigarh.

To bring uniformity with other UTs that do not have a legislature.

Key Features

1. Chandigarh Under Article 240

• Enables the President to frame regulations for Chandigarh
• (similar to A&N Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu, and Puducherry when its Assembly is dissolved).

2. Independent Administrator

• Opens the possibility of appointing a separate Administrator for Chandigarh.
• May replace the current system where the Governor of Punjab acts as Chandigarh’s Administrator.

3. Limits Punjab’s Administrative Role

• Marks a significant shift from the arrangement under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
• Triggered political concerns in Punjab and Haryana due to the city’s joint-capital status.

About Chandigarh — Why It Matters

Historical Background

• Created post-Partition after Punjab lost Lahore.
• Envisioned by Jawaharlal Nehru as a modern, forward-looking city.
• Designed by Le Corbusier, making it a landmark in modernist urban planning.

Construction Timeline

• Site selected: 1948 (Shivalik foothills, Ambala district).
• Foundation stone laid: 1952.

Status After 1966 Reorganisation

• Chandigarh became:
• A Union Territory under direct Central control.
• Joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
• Administrative and service-sharing governed by the 1966 Act.

Existing Governance Structure

• Administrator: Governor of Punjab holds additional charge as Administrator of the UT.
• UT Administration: Works directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• No Legislative Assembly: Governance undertaken by UT officials (Adviser, Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, etc.).
• 1966–1984: Chandigarh had an independent Chief Commissioner/Chief Secretary.

Why the Bill Became Controversial

• Perceived as reducing Punjab’s role in Chandigarh’s governance.
• Seen as altering the 1966 federal arrangement without consultation.
• Political concerns regarding symbolism, federalism, and administrative control.