Home Ministry Notification on UT Chandigarh Sparks Controversy

Home Ministry Elevates Advisor to UT Administrator (Punjab Governor) to Chief Secretary Status.

The Recent Notification on Chandigarh Administration: A Significant Shift

The recent notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the re-designation of the Advisor to the Administrator of Chandigarh as Chief Secretary marks a significant and far-reaching shift, transcending a routine procedural update. Surprisingly overlooked by political parties and observers in Punjab, this move appears to reinforce Chandigarh's status as a Union Territory, further marginalizing Punjab’s legitimate and longstanding claim to the city as its rightful capital since 1966.

Implications of the Change

• Seniority Level: The change means that a senior IAS officer in the Apex scale would be appointed, rather than an officer with the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India.

• Message Sent: This decision sends a strong signal that the Union Territory of Chandigarh is unlikely to be transferred to Punjab in the near future.

Political Reactions

Punjab Government as well as all political parties in Punjab should strongly object to this move, unless there's an assurance that the post will be filled only by a Punjab cadre IAS officer. This is crucial because:

1. It affects Punjab's claim over Chandigarh.

2. It potentially alters the administrative structure of the UT.

3. It could be seen as a step away from Punjab's interests in the region.

A Key Factor: Change in Leadership at the Centre

As long as Ajay Bhalla, an IAS officer of the 1984 batch, held the position of Union Home Secretary until recently, he understood the sensitivity of this situation. Multiple attempts by UT cadre officers to implement such changes were firmly resisted and scuttled under his tenure. However, following the completion of his long and successful tenure, Ajay Bhalla was appointed to the constitutional post of Governor in strife-torn Manipur. In his absence, this notification has been swiftly issued.

It is reported that no consultation whatsoever took place between the Home Minister and the Punjab Government in this regard, reflecting a callous disregard by the bureaucracy at the Centre for the potential repercussions of this decision. Such insensitivity towards Punjab’s concerns could escalate into a major issue, adding to the already fraught dynamics between the Centre and the state.

Historical Context: The Alphons Incident

This situation is reminiscent of a similar controversy in 2016:

• The Central Government had moved to appoint K.J. Alphons, a retired IAS officer and BJP leader, as the Administrator of Chandigarh.

• This appointment would have ended the 32-year-old system of the Punjab Governor serving as Chandigarh's administrator.

• The move faced strong objections from various political quarters, particularly in Punjab.

• Due to the political pressure, especially from the Shiromani Akali Dal Government in Punjab, the Centre quickly put the appointment on hold.

• Ultimately, the decision was reversed, and the traditional system of the Punjab Governor serving as Chandigarh's Administrator was maintained.

This historical precedent underscores the sensitivity surrounding Chandigarh's administration and the importance of considering Punjab's interests in any administrative changes to the Union Territory.

The Larger Context: Punjab’s Ignored Demands

The decision to alter the administrative framework of Chandigarh is not just a cosmetic change; it reflects a broader pattern of sidelining Punjab’s legitimate demands since the state's reorganization in 1966.

Despite explicit provisions in the Rajiv-Longowal Accord, Chandigarh's status as Punjab’s capital remains unresolved. Over the decades, Punjab's claims over its territorial integrity, water rights, and Chandigarh as its capital have been systematically ignored. This neglect has contributed to rising tensions and a sense of alienation among the people of Punjab.

The latest administrative changes, viewed against this backdrop, risk triggering renewed agitation for Punjab’s claims, including its territorial sanctity over Chandigarh. What might appear to be a procedural change in the appointment of the Advisor to the Administrator could further exacerbate the existing mistrust, leading to heightened social and political unrest in the region

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