Haryana

• 04 Apr 2022

Dispute between Haryana and Punjab over Chandigarh

Why in News?

In the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on 3^rd April, 2022, it was decided to convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha on 5^th April with reference to the Punjab government's claim on Chandigarh.

Key Points

• Significantly, on 1 April, the Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a resolution unanimously reiterating its claim on Chandigarh.
• In the long-running Chandigarh claim dispute, the Central Government's decision to introduce Central Service Rules instead of Punjab Service Rules for the employees of Chandigarh UT has added fuel to the fire.
• Significantly, Haryana was carved out of Punjab by the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966. Chandigarh was handed over to Haryana, but when it was opposed, Chandigarh was made the capital of both the states by giving it the status of a Union Territory.
• In respect of Chandigarh, the property was divided between Punjab and Haryana in the ratio of 60 : 40.
• On July 24, 1985, according to the agreement between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Akali leader Longowal, the date of handing over Chandigarh to Punjab was fixed as January 26, 1986, but after some time Longowal was assassinated and this transfer could not be possible.