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Questions and Answers
What distinguishes Union Territories (UTs) from states in India?
What distinguishes Union Territories (UTs) from states in India?
Which constitutional body administers Union Territories in India?
Which constitutional body administers Union Territories in India?
What was the primary aim of forming Union Territories in India according to the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956?
What was the primary aim of forming Union Territories in India according to the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956?
Do all Union Territories in India have elected legislatures to govern themselves?
Do all Union Territories in India have elected legislatures to govern themselves?
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Why do some Union Territories in India have representation in the Rajya Sabha?
Why do some Union Territories in India have representation in the Rajya Sabha?
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What type of relationship do Union Territories (UTs) have with the central government in India?
What type of relationship do Union Territories (UTs) have with the central government in India?
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How are Union Territories represented in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament)?
How are Union Territories represented in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament)?
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Which Union Territories are represented in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament)?
Which Union Territories are represented in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament)?
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Why does the central government hold significant control over some Union Territories like Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar islands?
Why does the central government hold significant control over some Union Territories like Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar islands?
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What is the Constitutional status regarding tax revenue devolution to Union Territories compared to states in India?
What is the Constitutional status regarding tax revenue devolution to Union Territories compared to states in India?
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Study Notes
Union Territories: A Perspective on India's Federal Framework
The Union Territories (UTs) of India are first-order administrative units directly governed by the central government. There are eight UTs in India, each with a distinct constitutional status and administrative system. These territories are distinct from states, which have their own elected governments, and they represent a unique union between the central and state governments.
History and Function
The Constitution of India, adopted in 1949, specified that UTs would be administered directly by the President of India, acting through an administrator—typically called a lieutenant governor—appointed by the President. The UTs were initially formed in accordance with the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, with the aim of providing more efficient administrative control and strategic importance to certain regions.
The role of UTs in India is multifaceted, with no uniformity in their administrative systems. While some UTs have elected legislatures, others are purely centrally administered. For instance, the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and Puducherry have representation in the upper house of the Indian Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, due to their elected legislatures.
Differences from States
In contrast to states, which have their own elected governments, UTs are directly governed by the central government. The central government has authority over the administration, executive, and legislative powers in UTs. While states enjoy a federal relationship with the Union government, UTs have a more unitary relationship with the central government. This means that all legislative and executive powers reside with the Union government in UTs.
Representation in Parliament
Union Territories are represented in the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, where they currently hold 19 out of 543 seats. Specifically, J&K, Delhi, and Puducherry are represented in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, due to their elected legislatures. The central government, through the lieutenant governor, holds power to pass ordinances with the approval of the President of India in the UTs that do not have an elected governor.
Special Circumstances
Some UTs have unique characteristics, which necessitate special attention. For example, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar islands are located far from mainland India and hold strategic importance, making central control a necessity from a national security point of view.
Constitutional Status
The Constitution of India does not stipulate how tax revenue is to be devolved to UTs, unlike for states. As UTs are directly ruled by the central government, some UTs receive more funds from the central government than others, arbitrarily by the central government. Additionally, UT-Goods and Services Tax (UT-GST) is applicable in UTs that do not have a legislative assembly.
Conclusion
Union Territories are an integral part of India's federal framework, offering a unique blend of central and state government authorities. While their role is distinct from states, UTs play a vital role in ensuring strategic uniformity and central control over critical regions of the nation.
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Description
Explore the unique constitutional status and administrative systems of Union Territories (UTs) in India, which are directly governed by the central government. Learn about the distinct role of UTs, their differences from states, representation in Parliament, and special circumstances. Gain insights into the multifaceted nature of UTs within India's federal framework.
