Union Territories in India: Understanding Administrative Units

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.