The proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Indian Constitution has triggered discussions around its administrative structure, law-making powers, and Centre–UT relationship.
Chandigarh, a Union Territory serving as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, has a unique governance model. Being brought under Article 240 could introduce changes to how laws are framed, implemented, and administered in the UT.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what Article 240 is, how it currently works, and what its inclusion could mean for Chandigarh.
What Is Article 240?
Article 240 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President of India to make regulations for certain Union Territories.
These regulations can:
Override existing laws
Function as laws passed by Parliament
Grant the Centre greater control over administration
Currently, Article 240 applies to UTs such as:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Lakshadweep
Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu
Including Chandigarh under this Article may change how laws and administrative decisions are made for the UT.
Chandigarh’s Administrative Structure Today
At present, Chandigarh is governed under:
Article 246 and the Seventh Schedule, which define Centre–State–Concurrent legislative powers
Section 87 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, which outlines its administration
The Administrator (Lieutenant Governor–equivalent) appointed by the President of India
Chandigarh does not have its own elected legislative assembly
This framework ensures that Chandigarh remains under strong central supervision while relying on Punjab and Haryana for several shared services.
What Would Change If Chandigarh Comes Under Article 240?
✔ 1. More direct legislative power for the President
The President could make regulations for Chandigarh that carry the force of law.
This reduces dependency on Parliament for UT-specific legislation.
✔ 2. Faster implementation of rules and reforms
Regulations under Article 240 do not need full parliamentary debate.
This could speed up:
Land acquisition rules
Urban planning reforms
Municipal laws
Service rules for employees
✔ 3. Stronger administrative control for the Centre
The Centre and the Administrator may gain clearer authority, reducing ambiguity in governance.
✔ 4. Impact on services, policing, and land management
Sectors like:
Police administration
Urban development
Real estate regulations
Environmental management
…may see tighter central oversight.
✔ 5. Reduced reliance on Punjab & Haryana laws
Chandigarh currently follows many laws originally inherited from Punjab.
Under Article 240, the Centre could modernise or replace these independently.
What May Not Change
Some aspects may remain the same, such as:
Chandigarh’s status as a Union Territory without a legislative assembly
Its role as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana
The presence of central police and administrative systems
Its dependence on neighbouring states for shared infrastructure
Article 240 does not automatically change territorial status or capital arrangements.
How It Could Impact Residents
✔ Urban Governance Simplification
Planning, building laws, transport rules, and revenue administration may get clearer, more uniform regulations.
✔ Faster infrastructure decisions
Projects may move forward without state-level delays.
✔ Changes in property rules
Land allotment, leasehold-to-freehold conversions, and building norms may be revamped.
✔ Possible reforms in municipal functioning
The Centre could streamline the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC) for smoother operations.
Conclusion
Inclusion under Article 240 would mark a significant shift in how Chandigarh is governed, giving the Centre more direct control over its regulations and administrative reforms.
While it may streamline decision-making and reduce bureaucratic overlap, it also raises questions about the balance between local autonomy, administrative control, and regional sensitivities.
As discussions continue, the impact will depend on how the Centre uses Article 240 powers and how the transition is managed in coordination with Punjab and Haryana.
❓ FAQs
1. What is Article 240?
It allows the President to create regulations for certain Union Territories that function as laws.
2. Does Article 240 give Chandigarh a legislative assembly?
No. It does not create an elected assembly.
3. Will Chandigarh’s capital status change under Article 240?
No. Its status as shared capital of Punjab and Haryana remains unchanged.
4. How will it affect day-to-day governance?
It may make law-making faster and reduce reliance on state-derived laws.
5. Does Article 240 weaken local powers?
It increases central authority, though core administrative structures of the UT remain.
Published on : 24th November
Published by : SMITA
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