Punjab’s Claim over Chandigarh

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The Center notified Central Service Rules for employees in the Union Territory of Chandigarh instead of the Punjab Service Rules. Alongside, the Punjab Assembly in a special session passed a unanimous resolution reiterating it's claim on Chandigarh. 


The Status of Chandigarh 

  • After Partition, Shimla was made the temporary capital of Indian Punjab as Lahore went to the Pakistani side of Punjab. A modern city was proposed to be built to replace Lahore. 
  • In 1948, the foothills of the Shivaliks were chosen as the site of the new capital. 
  • The capital was officially moved from Shimla to Chandigarh in 1953. 
  • The Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966 carved out the new state of Haryana from Punjab, created the new Union Territory of Chandigarh under the direct control of the Centre, and transferred the hill territories of Punjab to Himachal Pradesh. 
  • Chandigarh, became the common capital of both Punjab and Haryana, and properties were divided between the states in the ratio 60:40. 
    • The 1966 Act did not make changes in the „The Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952‟ that identified Chandigarh as the Capital of Punjab.

Development over the years 

  • During the reorganization of Punjab, it was said that Haryana would later on get a new capital while Chandigarh would be the capital of Punjab. 
  • In 1970, the Centre suggested various alternatives including dividing Chandigarh. 
    • Dividing Chandigarh was not considered practical since it is a planned city. Now it is also a major tourist destination and thus the division idea has lost relevance. 
    • Haryana was given five years and a grant of Rs 10 crore to come up with a new capital. 
  • In 1982, Akali Dal launched the Dharam Yudh Morcha along with Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale for achieving the goals of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973 that also raised the issue of the capital city. 
  • In 1985, the Rajiv-Longowal Accord was signed between then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Akali leader Longowal which also included transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab. 
  • Since 1967, 7 resolutions have been brought in the Punjab Assembly till date staking claim to Chandigarh.

What does the present resolution state? 


The resolution states that according to the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, a 60:40 ratio is to be maintained in the Chandigarh administration between officers from Punjab and Haryana, but this is not being followed by the Centre. 

Haryana's Stand 

  • Haryana Government has stated that the Punjab government's resolution is one-sided and not an accord. 
  • In the past, Haryana had suggested that a special body should be set up for the development of Chandigarh. 
  • Haryana has also been demanding a separate High Court.

Some basics 

  • The concept of Union Territories was not in the original version of the Constitution but was added by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956. 
  • Part VIII (Article 239-242) of the Constitution is concerned with the administration of the Union Territories.
  • The President of India appoints an administrator or Lieutenant Governor (LG) for each UT. 
  • There are differences in the governing of UTs depending upon whether they have a legislative assembly or not. 
    • Puducherry and J&K are UTs with a legislative assembly and government, along with an LG. 
    • New Delhi's status lies between a UT and a state because of its unique administrative structure. 
  • According to Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, the Parliament alone has the power to create, merge or alter new states and union territories in India. 
Q. With reference to the Union Territories in India, consider the following statements: 
1. The concept of Union Territories was added by an amendment to the Constitution. 
2. Part VIII of the Constitution deals with administration of Union Territories. 
3. The President of India appoints an administrator or Lieutenant Governor (LG) for each UT except for those UTs which have an elected government. 
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
(a) Only 1 and 2     (b) Only 2 and 3     (c) Only 1 and 3     (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. (a)

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