CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today moved a resolution in the Assembly, seeking the immediate transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, accusing the centre of trying to "upset the balance" in administering the Union Territory.
The resolution was passed unanimously after heated discussion on certain issues. The big move by CM comes amid the ongoing tussle between the centre and Punjab to control the UT which serves as the capital of Punjab and neighbouring Haryana.
THE RESOLUTION:
In his notice for the resolution, Mr Mann has said that under the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966, the state of Punjab was reorganised into the state of Haryana, the Union Territory of Chandigarh and some parts of Punjab were given to the then Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh.
BBMB CONTROVERSY:
"Since then, a balance was mentioned in the administration of common assets like Bhakra Beas Management Board by way of giving management positions in some proportion to the nominees of State of Punjab and State of Haryana. Through many of its recent actions, the Central Government is trying to upset this balance, " he said in the notice.
60:40 RATIO:
"Similarly, Chandigarh administration has always been managed by the officers of Punjab and Haryana in the ratio of 60:40. However, recently Central Government has posted outside officers to Chandigarh and has introduced Central Civil Service Rules for the employees of Chandigarh Administration, which goes completely against the understanding in the past, " he said in the notice.
RIGHTFUL CLAIM OVER CHANDIGARH:
Punjab government will fight strongly for its "rightful claim over Chandigarh", Chief Minister Mann said earlier.
HOME MINISTER's ANNOUNCEMENT:
The latest tussle started after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement last week that employees of Chandigarh administration will get the same benefits as their counterparts working in Central government.
In his announcement, Mr Shah had said that these benefits were a "long-pending demand" of employees of the Chandigarh.