Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2025

The central government’s plan to table the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 has stirred political debate across Punjab and the wider Union Territory governance framework. The proposal concerns the administrative positioning of Chandigarh and its alignment with constitutional provisions governing Union Territories without legislatures.

Objective of the Amendment

The Bill seeks to include Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This Article empowers the President to issue regulations for specified Union Territories that do not have their own legislative assemblies. By bringing Chandigarh under this provision, the Union Territory would be treated similarly to Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Puducherry in special circumstances, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How Chandigarh’s Governance Could Change

If enacted, the amendment would allow the President to frame rules directly for Chandigarh. This would streamline central oversight and place the Union Territory in the same administrative category as other centrally governed territories. It may also influence the current arrangement where the Governor of Punjab serves simultaneously as the Administrator of Chandigarh, potentially paving the way for a separate administrative structure.

Political Reaction and Regional Concerns

The proposal has sparked strong opposition from political parties in Punjab, including the Aam Aadmi Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal. Their concerns stem from longstanding disputes over Chandigarh’s status as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. Critics argue that placing Chandigarh under Article 240 could dilute Punjab’s historical and political claims, and alter the delicate federal balance associated with the city’s governance.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Article 240 empowers the President to issue regulations for specified Union Territories.
• The Bill proposes adding Chandigarh to the list of Union Territories governed under Article 240.
• Chandigarh currently functions as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana.
• The central government has clarified it does not intend to alter Chandigarh’s traditional administrative arrangements.

Government Clarification on the Proposal

Amid rising criticism, the Union Government has clarified that it has no intention of introducing changes that would affect Chandigarh’s administrative structure. Officials have stated that the proposal aims only to streamline legislative processes and does not seek to alter existing arrangements between Chandigarh, Punjab, or Haryana.