Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: HT
Subject: Polity
Context: The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 sparked a major political row after it sought to bring Chandigarh under Article 240, altering its administrative structure.
About Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025:
• What it is? A draft amendment proposing to include Chandigarh under Article 240, placing it in the same category as UTs where the President can directly frame regulations.
• A draft amendment proposing to include Chandigarh under Article 240, placing it in the same category as UTs where the President can directly frame regulations.
• Aim: To “simplify the Central Government’s law-making process for the UT of Chandigarh” and bring uniformity with other UTs lacking legislatures.
• Key Features:
• Brings Chandigarh under Article 240: Enables the President to make regulations equivalent to Acts of Parliament, similar to A&N Islands, Lakshadweep, DNHDD and Puducherry (when Assembly is dissolved). Allows appointment of an independent Administrator: Opens the possibility of replacing the current system where Punjab’s Governor serves as Chandigarh’s Administrator. Reduces Punjab’s administrative role: Would mark a structural shift from the historical arrangement given during the 1966 Punjab Reorganisation, triggering political concerns.
• Brings Chandigarh under Article 240: Enables the President to make regulations equivalent to Acts of Parliament, similar to A&N Islands, Lakshadweep, DNHDD and Puducherry (when Assembly is dissolved).
• Allows appointment of an independent Administrator: Opens the possibility of replacing the current system where Punjab’s Governor serves as Chandigarh’s Administrator.
• Reduces Punjab’s administrative role: Would mark a structural shift from the historical arrangement given during the 1966 Punjab Reorganisation, triggering political concerns.
About Chandigarh:
• History:
• Planned vision of Jawaharlal Nehru: Conceived as a symbol of modern India’s aspirations after Partition— “a new town, unfettered by the traditions of the past.” Designed by Le Corbusier: The famous French architect developed the master plan, making it one of the world’s earliest and finest experiments in modernist urban planning.
• Planned vision of Jawaharlal Nehru: Conceived as a symbol of modern India’s aspirations after Partition— “a new town, unfettered by the traditions of the past.”
• Designed by Le Corbusier: The famous French architect developed the master plan, making it one of the world’s earliest and finest experiments in modernist urban planning.
• Post-Partition Background:
• Replacement for Lahore: After 1947, Punjab lost Lahore to Pakistan; Chandigarh was envisioned as the capital of Indian Punjab. Refugee rehabilitation: The city was partly designed to resettle thousands displaced from West Punjab.
• Replacement for Lahore: After 1947, Punjab lost Lahore to Pakistan; Chandigarh was envisioned as the capital of Indian Punjab.
• Refugee rehabilitation: The city was partly designed to resettle thousands displaced from West Punjab.
• Site Selection and City Construction:
• Chosen in 1948: Foothills of the Shivalik’s—then part of Ambala district—were selected jointly by the Centre and Punjab Government. Foundation stone laid in 1952: Marking the beginning of India’s foremost modern city project.
• Chosen in 1948: Foothills of the Shivalik’s—then part of Ambala district—were selected jointly by the Centre and Punjab Government.
• Foundation stone laid in 1952: Marking the beginning of India’s foremost modern city project.
• Role after the 1966 Punjab Reorganisation:
• Joint capital of Punjab and Haryana: After Haryana was carved out, Chandigarh was designated as the shared capital of both states under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Declared a Union Territory: The city came directly under Central Government administration while hosting the secretariats and legislatures of both states.
• Joint capital of Punjab and Haryana: After Haryana was carved out, Chandigarh was designated as the shared capital of both states under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
• Declared a Union Territory: The city came directly under Central Government administration while hosting the secretariats and legislatures of both states.
Existing Governance Structure:
• Administrator of Chandigarh: Presently, Governor of Punjab holds additional charge as the Administrator of the UT. Earlier (1966–1984), the city had its own independent Chief Commissioner/Chief Secretary, before administration shifted to Punjab’s Governor.
• Presently, Governor of Punjab holds additional charge as the Administrator of the UT.
• Earlier (1966–1984), the city had its own independent Chief Commissioner/Chief Secretary, before administration shifted to Punjab’s Governor.
• Administrative Control: Chandigarh UT functions directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The city has no legislative assembly, and governance is carried out through UT administration officials (Adviser to Administrator, Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, etc.).
• Chandigarh UT functions directly under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• The city has no legislative assembly, and governance is carried out through UT administration officials (Adviser to Administrator, Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, etc.).