Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2025 and Chandigarh under Article 240

Overview

Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2025 and Chandigarh under Article 240: The Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2025 proposes to include Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This would allow the President of India to make regulations directly for Chandigarh, similar to certain Union Territories without legislative assemblies. The bill signals a major shift in administrative control and governance style for the city.

Static GK fact: Chandigarh became India’s first planned city post-Independence, designed by the French architect Le Corbusier.

Article 240 explained

Article 240 empowers the President to make regulations for peace, progress, and good governance in specific Union Territories. These currently include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry in special circumstances.

The Bill seeks to add Chandigarh to this list, changing its current mode of administration.

Static GK fact: Article 240 was introduced through the Constitution (Third Amendment) Act, 1954.

Current governance of Chandigarh

Chandigarh presently functions as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. The Governor of Punjab also serves as the Administrator of the Union Territory. This dual governance structure emerged from the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966.

The Bill proposes a departure from this legacy arrangement.

Proposed changes in administration

◾ The President would hold full regulatory authority over Chandigarh.
◾ The city would be aligned with UTs that do not have legislative assemblies.
◾ A separate Administrator or Lieutenant Governor could be appointed for Chandigarh.

These changes may bring administrative independence and structural clarity to Chandigarh’s governance model.

Federal and political implications

Chandigarh has been at the center of inter-state sensitivities for decades. Any shift in control may lead to renewed debate between Punjab and Haryana regarding city ownership.

Concerns about centralisation versus state rights could emerge, especially as shared capital arrangements connect deeply with state identity and political aspirations.

Static GK Tip: India currently has 8 Union Territories, each governed under different constitutional frameworks.

Why this amendment matters

This constitutional step would:
◾ Strengthen the UT governance framework through direct central supervision
◾ Provide clarity over administrative powers and decision-making
◾ Influence Centre-State relations, especially concerning shared capitals
◾ Reflect broader reforms in India’s federal structure

Static GK fact: The Indian Constitution contains Schedule and Article-based provisions that allow the Centre to administer UTs differently from States.

Future outlook

The proposal highlights the Government’s focus on reorganising governance systems for efficiency and uniformity. The Bill’s progress in Parliament will determine whether Chandigarh transitions from its unique shared capital status to a centrally regulated UT model under Article 240.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2025 and Chandigarh under Article 240: