Transfer Chandigarh to Punjab: CM Mann moves resolution in Assembly
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has moved an official resolution in the state Assembly on Friday calling for the immediate transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab to respect the people's sentiments and maintain harmony. The resolution has been seen as a response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent announcement that Chandigarh employees will be subject to central service rules rather than Punjab service rules.
Why does this story matter?
Chandigarh was designated as the joint capital city of Punjab and Haryana after the latter was separated from Punjab in 1966 to include the Hindi-speaking areas through the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966. As a result, the states of Punjab and Haryana have been in a constant tussle over the question of the city of Chandigarh, with both claiming it to be their own.
What does the resolution say?
According to the resolution moved in Punjab's Assembly, "Chandigarh was established as the capital of Punjab." It further said, "In all past precedents, whenever a state has been divided, the capital remains with the parent state. Punjab, therefore, has been laying its claim for the complete transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab." The resolution also asked the Centre to follow the Constitution's rules on federalism.
What is the reason behind moving the resolution?
Mann said, "Since [the implementation of Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966], a balance was maintained in the administration of common assets like the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), by...giving management positions in some proportion to the nominees of the state of Punjab and state of Haryana." However, he added, "Through many of its recent actions, the Centre has been trying to upset this balance."
What are the recent actions of the Centre in Punjab?
Instead of filling the positions on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) with officers from Punjab and Haryana, the Centre has recently advertised the posts for officers from all states and the central government administration, too. Similarly, the Centre has also posted officers from outside Chandigarh in the capital city and has even implemented the Central Civil Service Rules for Chandigarh administration employees.
Resolution has been passed by Assembly
The resolution proposed by Mann was also supported by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and it was smoothly passed by the House on Friday. To note, it was cleared in a one-day special session convened on Friday on the subject of Chandigarh's transfer.
