CHANDIGARH, May 7— A significant shift for the Union Territory’s administrative landscape, the Central Government has implemented five distinct state laws in Chandigarh to replace or supplement existing regulations. Effective as of May 6, the transition utilizes the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966 to bring updated legislative standards from Punjab, Haryana, and Assam to the city.
The Punjab Prevention of Human Trafficking Act is among the key statutes introduced, providing law enforcement with stronger tools to crack down on dishonest travel agents. For residents in historically undocumented areas, the Punjab Population Body (Record of Rights) Act, 2021, now offers a path to establishing formal ownership rights. Additionally, the modernization of fire safety regulations is being addressed through the adoption of the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022.
A major highlight of the reform is the introduction of the Assam Tenancy Act, 2021, which replaces old tenancy legislation. Officials affirmed that this specific law is designed to balance the rights of property owners and renters while ensuring that disputes are resolved within a set timeframe. The Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Acts have also been integrated to refine the process of property valuation and revenue collection.
Government officials stated that these changes are vital for streamlining public services and protecting vulnerable citizens from fraud. He noted that by adopting the Model Tenancy Act principles via the Assam statute, the city expects a boost in the rental housing market. He affirmed that the objective remains a more transparent and efficient governance model for all Chandigarh residents.
