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Title: Regarding decline of Punjab’s share in Union Territory of Chandigarh’s Administrative set up.

SHRI RAVNEET SINGH (ANANDPUR SAHIB): Sir, I wish to apprise the House of a burning issue of declining share of Punjab in the UT of Chandigarh’s administrative set up. At the time of reorganization of Punjab State on 1st November, 1966, administration of Chandigarh, although a Union Territory, was more or less handed over to the joint control of Punjab and Haryana on 60:40 basis and Punjab was given 60 per cent share in the Chandigarh’s administration.

          It is important to mention here that at that time there was no provision of direct recruitment of Government staff to create UT cadre. But I am sad to say that such arrangement has been violated over a period of time, thus, diluting the share of Punjab in the Chandigarh administration.

          Earlier, all departments stood distributed between the Finance Secretary and the Home Secretary, drawn from among the Punjab and Haryana cadre officers. Dilution of Punjab’s share started with the recruitment of staff by the UT administration and also because of wresting the charge of important departments such as education and health from Punjab officers and given to other UT cadre officers.

          In 1966, out of 13 important positions in the Chandigarh administration, nine were held by Punjab cadre officers but now this has been reduced to just three.

          Sir, it is due to considerations defying logic and sense, that the scales in regard to the staff are being tilted against the interests of Punjab.

          Lastly, it is clear that the administration of UT has tinkered with the arrangements made for the administration of Chandigarh. I feel deeply concerned about the declining share of Punjab cadre officers in the affairs of Chandigarh administration. More than being a UT, Chandigarh is also the Capital of Punjab. Therefore, I appeal to the Central Government to intervene and rectify the problem, at the earliest.

          I also request that since Chandigarh came up on the land of Punjab, the Punjab State should be given a 60 per cent share in the revenue collections from Chandigarh, as a matter of right. I am very thankful to you for giving me time to speak.

MR. CHAIRMAN: I am willing to give one minute to everyone to speak. But you should be brief.