How Chandigarh became a Union Territory and why the Governor of Punjab is its Administrator
Background
From 1952 to 1966 Chandigarh was the capital of Punjab, and a Chief Commissioner headed its local administration.
When Punjab was divided, the Centre made Chandigarh a Union Territory under Section 4 of the Punjab Re-Organisation Act, 1966, with effect from November 1, 1966.
Its administration has since functioned directly under the Central Government.
Administrators designated "Chief Commissioner" were appointed up to May 31, 1984.
On June 1, 1984, the Governor of Punjab took over direct administration of the Union Territory as its Administrator, and the Chief Commissioner was redesignated "Adviser to the Administrator".
In January 2025 the Union Home Ministry redesignated the post of Adviser to the Administrator as "Chief Secretary".
The Governor's official residence, Lok Bhavan Punjab, is in Sector 6, Chandigarh.
In plain words
Union Territory Union Territory (UT) — A territory governed directly by the Centre through an Administrator appointed by the President.
Punjab Re-Organisation Act, 1966 Punjab Re-Organisation Act, 1966 — The Parliament law that divided Punjab and made Chandigarh a Union Territory under its Section 4.
Adviser to the Administrator Adviser to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh — The title given in 1984 to the post earlier called Chief Commissioner; in January 2025 the post was redesignated Chief Secretary.
Lok Bhavan Punjab Lok Bhavan Punjab — Official residence of the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, in Sector 6.