The Union Home Ministry on Sunday said no final decision had been taken on the proposal to “simplify lawmaking” in Chandigarh, saying it was not aimed at changing the traditional arrangement between the Union Territory and Punjab and Haryana, PTI reported.
Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
“The proposal to only simplify the legislative process of the Central Government for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is still under discussion with the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal,” a Home Ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
Allaying concerns raised by political leaders in Punjab about the proposal, the ministry said the proposal in no way seeks to change Chandigarh’s government or administrative structure, nor does it aim to alter the “traditional arrangements between Chandigarh and the states of Punjab or Haryana”.
“An appropriate decision will be taken only after due consultation with all stakeholders keeping in mind the interests of Chandigarh. There is no need to be alarmed in this matter. The central government does not intend to introduce any bill to this effect in the upcoming winter session of Parliament,” it said.
According to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha bulletin, the Center has proposed to bring the Union Territory of Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to make regulations for UTs and direct legislation.
This could pave the way for the appointment of an independent administrator in Chandigarh, much like it has had an independent chief secretary in the past, a move that has drawn sharp reactions from the Congress, Akali Dal and AAP.
(With input from agencies)
