The Central Government has firmly stated that it has no plans to table any bill related to Chandigarh’s administration during the current Winter Session of Parliament. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that a proposal to streamline the legislative process for the Union Territory is still being evaluated and is far from a final decision. The MHA went on to explicitly deny any intention to alter Chandigarh’s established governance or its established administrative links with Punjab and Haryana.
This clarification addresses widespread concerns triggered by a previously published parliamentary notice that included a potential constitutional amendment bill. This proposed bill, if enacted, would have brought Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, granting the President direct legislative authority over the territory. This possibility had ignited strong opposition from political leaders across Punjab, who expressed fears about the erosion of state rights and the strategic importance of Chandigarh.
The MHA has emphasized its dedication to a consultative approach, promising that any decisions impacting Chandigarh will be made only after extensive dialogues with all concerned parties. The paramount consideration will be the welfare and interests of Chandigarh. The government has urged against unnecessary apprehension, confirming that the current administrative setup is not being targeted by any immediate legislative action. The focus remains on careful consideration and broad consensus-building.