Top News

Bhagwant Mann Moves Resolution Seeking Transfer Of Chandigarh To Punjab

In 1966, Chandigarh became the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana by merging Hindi-speaking regions, separating Haryana from Punjab

Mumbai: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Friday moved a resolution in the state Assembly, seeking the immediate transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab “for maintaining harmony and taking sentiments of people into account”.

“In order to maintain the goodwill and the sentiments of the people, this House once again recommends to the State Government that Chandigarh be immediately transferred to Punjab by taking up the matter with the Central Government,” read the motion.

“Chandigarh city was created as the capital of Punjab,” it said, “in all previous instances, whenever, a state has been bifurcated, the capital remains with the original state. Therefore, Punjab as a whole purportedly asserting its rights by transferring Chandigarh to Punjab.”

In 1966, Chandigarh became the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana by merging Hindi-speaking regions, separating Haryana from Punjab.

The resolution urged the Center to respect the principles of federalism enshrined in the Constitution and not take any step that disturbs the balance between the administration of Chandigarh and other common assets like BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board). A one-day special session has been called by the Punjab government on this issue.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the service conditions of the employees of Chandigarh Administration will now be made at par with the Central Civil Services.

While the Home Ministry said that this would bring many benefits to the employees of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, AAP, Congress and SAD leaders are considering it a big blow to the rights of Punjab.

The Center had earlier changed the rules for the selection criteria of BBMB members. The BBMB, which is a statutory body under the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966 and manages the water resources of the Sutlej and Beas, has a whole-time chairman and two members—Member (Irrigation) and Member (Electrical).

According to the convention, the member (power) is always from Punjab and the member (irrigation) is from Haryana are selected from a panel of senior engineers. But the changes in the rules for selection criteria allowed anyone to apply for these posts.

Follow us on TwitterInstagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and interesting stories.

Show More
Back to top button