Administration of Chandigarh

Chandigarh is one of the six union territories of India, ruled directly by the Central Government. It is the capital of both states Punjab and Haryana but not under the jurisdiction of either state. The Governor of the Punjab is the Administrator of Chandigarh. In reality, the Advisor to the Administrator, a very senior officer belonging to one of the All India Services (IAS), is the overall head of the administration in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The Advisor to the Administrator oversees actual administration of Chandigarh UT.

The practice of appointing an Administrator of the UT designated "Chief Commissioner" continued up to June 1, 1984. On June 1, 1984, the Governor of Punjab took over the direct administration of the Union Territory as Administrator. "Chief Commissioner" was re-designated as "Adviser to the Administrator". As per the initial order, the Governor was to hold charge for two months, but after July, 1984, the Governor of Punjab was again appointed as Administrator of the Union Territory and this arrangement continues till date.

The Adviser to the Administrator is an officer belonging to the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and is appointed by Ministry of Home Affairs. He advises the Administrator on policy matters and oversees the actual day-to-day administration of the Union Territory. All financial powers of the Administrator stand delegated to him. Under the various laws, the Adviser acts as appellate authority for all matters.

The Deputy Commissioner, an officer belonging to the Indian Administrative Service, is the in-charge of the General Administration in the Chandigarh UT.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, an officer belonging to the Indian Police Service (IPS), is responsible for maintaining Law & Order and related issues in the Chandigarh UT.

The Deputy Conservator of Forests, an officer belonging to the Indian Forest Service, is responsible for the management of the Forests, Environment and Wild-Life in the Chandigarh UT.