The Chandigarh question, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Central government has retracted a Bill to include Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution following political opposition.
• The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 aimed to align Chandigarh with other Union Territories without legislatures.
• Punjab strongly opposed the move, citing historical agreements and the sensitive nature of the Chandigarh issue.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that the proposal did not intend to alter Chandigarh’s governance and that consultations would be held.

Detailed Insights:

• The attempt to include Chandigarh under Article 240 raised concerns about the Central government's overreach in the country's federal structure.
• The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966 and subsequent agreements, including the 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord, have not resolved the Chandigarh issue, fueling distrust.
• The central government's decisions regarding Panjab University's governing bodies also faced opposition, highlighting a perceived lack of consultation.
• Critics argue that the Centre's actions signal an intent to consolidate control over Chandigarh, disregarding regional interests and the spirit of federalism.
• Given Punjab's geopolitical importance and history of militancy, decisions affecting the state require sensitivity, political dialogue, and consensus-building.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Article 240: Empowers the President to make regulations for the peace, progress, and good governance of certain UTs without legislatures.
• Federal Structure: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
• Union Territory: A type of administrative division in India that is directly controlled by the Central Government.