What are Union Territories? What are the reasons of the formation of Union Territories? How are they different from states (GS1)(12 MARKS)
Union Territories (UTs) are a type of administrative division in the Republic of India. A Union Territory is directly governed by the Central Government through a Lieutenant Governor who is the representative of the Indian President.
THE REASONS FOR THE FORMATION OF UNION TERRITORIES (UTS) IN INDIA:
Efficient Governance for Small Populations and Areas: Direct Central Government administration is practical and cost-effective for UTs with limited populations and land areas.
Strategic Significance and Geographic Isolation: UTs like Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically vital but geographically distant, requiring quick responses facilitated by Central Government oversight.
Preservation of Unique Cultural Identities: UTs with distinct cultural heritages, such as Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, and Ladakh, benefit from special protection and management under Central Government administration.
Key Administrative Centres: UTs like Delhi and Chandigarh serve as crucial administrative hubs, necessitating centralized authority for effective governance and coordination.
Security Challenges and Economic Development: UTs like Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh face unique security challenges due to sensitive border locations, requiring centralized governance for addressing security concerns and promoting economic development.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES:
Governance Structure:
State: Has its own government with elected officials.
Union Territory: Governed directly by the Central Government.
Legislative Authority:
State: Has sovereign legislative powers within its territory.
Union Territory: Legislative and executive powers are retained by the Union Government.
Head of Government:
State: Chief Minister is the head of government.
Union Territory: Administrator appointed by the President is in charge.
Head of State:
State: Governor is the constitutional head.
Union Territory: President of India is the executive head.
Size:
State: Generally larger in terms of area.
Union Territory: Smaller in comparison to states.
Self-Governing Status:
State: Self-governing with its set of powers.
Union Territory: Not self-governing; administered directly by the Central Government.
