UPSC: UT – HISTORY AND POLITY

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCNr2bBw8MM&t=4s

Under Article 1 of the Constitution, the territory of India comprises three categories of territories: (a) territories of the state; (b) union territories; and (c) territories that may be acquired by the GoI.

States – Proper distribution of power

1.       Features of Administrative Setup:

1.       Direct control and administration of the central government.

2.       Departure from federalism in India/Relationship with Centre is unitary

3.       They do not have autonomy

4.       No uniformity in their administrative set-up

                                                               i.      Puducherry in 1963 and Delhi in 1992 were provided with legislative assembly

                                                             ii.      Rest 5 don’t have this

5.       Their executive head is known by various designations – administrator or LG or CC (as specified by the President)

6.       President can appoint of Governor of adjacent State as administrator of UT.

7.       Administrator is the agent of the President

8.       Parliament can make laws on any subject of the three lists in relation to the UT

2.       History

1.       ‘Scheduled Districts’ in 1874 à ‘Chief Commissioners Provinces’

2.       Independent India: Original Constitution states were classified into four categories, namely, Part A, B, C and D states.

3.       Placed under Part C&D states

4.       1956 à Constituted as ‘Union Territories by the 7^th CAA 1956 and the States Reorganization Act 1956.

5.       UTs that have been upgraded to States: (HMT-AGM)

                                                               i.      Himachal Pradesh

                                                             ii.      Manipur

                                                            iii.      Tripura

                                                           iv.      Mizoram

                                                             v.      Arunachal Pradesh

                                                           vi.      Goa (Portuguese)

3.       7 Union Territories:

1.       Andaman Nicobar – 1956

2.       Delhi – 1956

3.       Lakshwadweep – 1956

4.       Dadra Nagar Haveli – 1961 (Portuguese)

5.       Daman Diu – 1962 (Portuguese)

6.       Pududcherry – 1962 (French)

7.       Chandigarh – 1973

4.        UTs created for a variety of reason

1.       Political & Administrative Consideration – Delhi & Chandigarh

2.       Cultural Distinctiveness – Puducherry, Dadrra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman Diu

3.       Strategic Importance – Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep

4.       Special treatment and care of the backward and tribal people – Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura (MAMT)

5.       Powers of President vis a vis Administration of UT

1.       Make regulations for Peace, progress and good government of Andaman Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman Diu

2.       Puducherry – Legislate by making regulations when Assembly is suspended or dissolved

3.       Establish High Court for UT or put it under jurisdiction of another HC

6.       Articles – 239, 239A, 239 AA, 239 AB, 239 B, 240, 241, 242