Union Territory
A Union Territory (UT) in India is a type of administrative division that is governed directly by the Union Government of India. Unlike states, which have their own governments with significant legislative and executive powers, most union territories are administered by a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator appointed by the President of India. The system was introduced after India’s independence to address the governance of small, strategically important, or culturally distinct regions that could not be organised as full-fledged states.
Background and Concept
The concept of Union Territories was first laid down in the Constitution of India (1950). They were originally termed Part C and Part D states, administered directly by the central government. In 1956, following the States Reorganisation Act, these territories were reclassified as Union Territories.
Union Territories were created for several reasons:
- To administer small territories that lacked resources to function as independent states.
- To govern strategically significant regions directly under the Union.
- To accommodate territories integrated from colonial powers (Portuguese and French possessions).
- To safeguard regions with ethnic, cultural, or political sensitivities.
List of Union Territories
As of 2025, India has eight union territories:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands – a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, strategically important for defence.
- Chandigarh – serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu – created by merging two territories in 2020.
- Delhi (National Capital Territory of Delhi) – the national capital with special status and its own legislature.
- Jammu and Kashmir – carved out of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
- Ladakh – created in 2019 from the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Lakshadweep – a small group of islands in the Arabian Sea.
- Puducherry – includes former French settlements along the eastern and western coasts.
Administration
The governance structure of Union Territories varies:
- Without Legislature: Most UTs are directly ruled by an Administrator/Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President (e.g., Chandigarh, Ladakh, Lakshadweep).
- With Legislature: Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir (not yet operationalised fully) have elected legislatures and Chief Ministers. However, subjects like law and order, land, and police remain under central control.
The Parliament of India has the power to make laws on any subject for union territories, while state legislatures enjoy greater autonomy.
Historical Development
- 1956: Seven Union Territories were created after the States Reorganisation Act.
- 1962: Puducherry was integrated as a UT after French possessions merged with India.
- 1961–1987: Goa, Daman, and Diu were formed after Portuguese rule ended; Goa later became a state in 1987.
- 2019: Jammu & Kashmir was reorganised into two UTs—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- 2020: Dadra and Nagar Haveli merged with Daman and Diu to form a single UT.
Significance
Union Territories hold considerable importance in India due to their:
- Strategic locations (Andaman & Nicobar for maritime security, Ladakh for Himalayan defence).
- Historical legacy of colonial rule (Puducherry, Daman and Diu).
- Tourism and culture (Goa as a former UT, current UTs like Lakshadweep).
- Economic potential, especially in ports, minerals, and tourism sectors.
Advantages and Criticism
Advantages:
- Ensures direct central control in sensitive or small regions.
- Facilitates focused development through Union funding.
- Preserves unique cultural and historical identities.
Criticism:
- Limited democratic participation compared to states.
- Conflicts between elected governments and Lieutenant Governors (notably in Delhi and Puducherry).
- Dependence on the Union Government for policy and financial decisions.
Present Context
Union Territories remain a distinctive feature of India’s federal structure. While some (like Delhi) have sought greater autonomy, others continue under direct central administration. They showcase India’s flexible approach in balancing national integration, administrative efficiency, and regional diversity, making them crucial to both governance and strategic policy.
Comparison of State and Union Terrritory
| Feature | States | Union Territories (UTs) |
| Constitutional Basis | Governed under Part VI of the Constitution. | Governed under Part VIII of the Constitution. |
| Number (2025) | 28 States | 8 Union Territories |
| Legislature | Each state has its own legislature (unicameral or bicameral). | Most UTs do not have legislatures. Exceptions: Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir (legislatures with limited powers). |
| Head of Administration | Governor, appointed by the President, is the constitutional head. | Administrator or Lieutenant Governor, directly appointed by the President. |
| Chief Executive Authority | Chief Minister, chosen by the elected legislative assembly, exercises real power. | Administrator/Lieutenant Governor holds real authority in most UTs; where legislatures exist, Chief Minister has limited powers. |
| Law-making Powers | State legislatures can make laws on State List and Concurrent List (subject to Union overriding powers in Concurrent List). | UT legislatures (if any) can legislate only on matters in State List and Concurrent List, but Parliament has overriding powers. |
| Representation in Parliament | States have representation in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. | UTs have representation in Lok Sabha; only Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir have representation in Rajya Sabha. |
| Autonomy | Enjoy significant autonomy in governance and finance. | Limited autonomy; governed directly by the Union Government. |
| Examples | Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, etc. | Delhi, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. |
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