India is a Union of states, yet the word ‘state’ also encompasses the concept of a ‘Union Territory’. This term was initially introduced in Article 240 of the Constitution, giving the President the authority to formulate regulations for the “peace, progress and good governance” of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Four Types Of States
It is worth remembering that, during the adoption of the Constitution, we had four different types of states.
Part A States
Bombay (now Mumbai), Madras (now Chennai), Assam, Berar and Central Provinces (now Bihar and Madhya Pradesh), East Punjab (now Punjab), the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), Orissa (now Odisha), and West Bengal. These were placed under governors or ‘Rajya Pals’.
Part B States
Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Bharat (now Madhya Pradesh), Mysore (Mysuru), Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU), Rajasthan, Saurashtra, and Travancore-Cochin. Called states under Raj Pramukhs, these areas were governed by former rulers who had signed the Instrument of Accession to India.
Part C States
Ajmer, Bilaspur, Bhopal, Coorg, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Kutch, Manipur, Tripura, and Vindhya Pradesh – were placed under chief commissioners, for they were considered to be politically or economically viable or because of special considerations/situational exigencies. These provisions were to be implemented in accordance with Article 239 of the Constitution, specifically referred to as “Administration of States in Part C of the First Schedule.”
Part D States
Andaman and Nicobar Islands were the only Part D state.
SRC Of 1956
The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 saw the inclusion of Lakshadweep, previously known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi islands, under Article 240.
- Strategic Importance: Both the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep hold significant strategic value for India’s naval ambitions. The potential of these territories is crucial for India’s aspiration to become a blue-water navy.
- States Reorganisation Commission’s Recommendation: The States Reorganisation Commission suggested transferring Malayalam-speaking Laccadive from Malabar and Amindivi from the South Canara, along with Minicoy, a Crown territory under a treaty agreement with the Maldives, to Kerala. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs dismissed this suggestion.
Changes In Union Territories In 1956
In 1956, several places were classified as Union Territories. These included island territories and landlocked regions such as Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura. These were previously designated as Part C states.
Transition to Statehood: Over time, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura were granted statehood status. The status of Delhi was also revised and upgraded.
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Delhi’s Status Upgrade
Delhi transitioned from a Union Territory under a Chief Commissioner to one under a Lieutenant Governor. The first Lieutenant Governor of Delhi was Aditya Nath Jha, a member of the Indian Civil Services, who took office in 1966.
- Delhi as the National Capital Territory: The capital city was given the title of National Capital Territory (NCT) in 1991. This change came with the establishment of an assembly and the appointment of a Chief Minister.
- Madan Lal Khurana’s Tenure: In 1993, after a long gap of 37 years, Madan Lal Khurana assumed the role of the chief minister. However, the powers of the CM were limited.
- Control Over Law, Order, and Land: The major sectors such as law, order, and land were not under the control of the chief minister. These were managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the urban development ministry.
- Political Contest Over ‘Control’: Over time, the NCT government and the Centre saw leadership from different political parties. This led to a dispute over ‘control’, both politically and in the Supreme Court.
- All India Services Under Union Government: The All India Services, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), fall under the Union government. It appears that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) has more influence than the CM. This is because all IAS and IPS appointments come under the LG’s jurisdiction.
Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Daman And Diu
The Portuguese once owned Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Goa, and Daman and Diu. In August 1961, Dadra and Nagar Haveli became a Union Territory (UT). Later in December 1961, Goa was free from Portuguese rule. Daman and Diu were then included in the Goa, Daman and Diu UT from 1962 to 1987. When Goa became a state in 1987, Daman and Diu became a separate UT.
In the last reorganisation of territories of the Union, Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu were merged. The Union Territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli became a single union territory on January 26, 2019. The Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019 was successfully passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the same year. This merger of the two Union Territories, situated along the picturesque western coast near Gujarat, aimed to enhance administration efficiency and eliminate duplication of various tasks.
This made it the longest name for any state or UT in India. All three parts are not connected by land. Dadra and Nagar Haveli lie between Maharashtra and Gujarat. Daman is located at the Daman Ganga River mouth, and Diu is an island near Gujarat.
Union Territory Of Pondicherry
In 1963, the Union Territory of Pondicherry was formed. It included the former French-owned regions of Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Pondicherry and Karaikal are located on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu, Yanam on the East Coast of Andhra Pradesh, and Mahe on Kerala’s West Coast.
These regions are more closely tied with their neighbouring states than with each other. They’re connected by their common history of being under French administration.
Chandigarh’s Status As A Union Territory
Chandigarh transitioned into a Union Territory (UT) on November 1, 1966. This shift occurred under the provisions of Section 4 of The Punjab Reorganisation Act. The Act stated that a new Union Territory, named Chandigarh, would be formed.
- Territorial Components of Chandigarh: Chandigarh consists of parts of the Manimajra and Manauli Kanungo circles. These areas were once part of the Kharar tehsil of Ambala district in Punjab. Once Chandigarh was formed, these territories were no longer part of Punjab.
- Governance of Chandigarh: Since 1984, the governor of Punjab has held dual responsibilities. Not only does this individual govern Punjab, but they also serve as the ex-officio administrator of Chandigarh. This unique arrangement makes Chandigarh the only UT under the jurisdiction of a governor.
The Reorganisation Of J&K
On August 5, 2019, an important change occurred. The previous state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was divided. This split resulted in two Union Territories (UTs): J&K and Ladakh.
- Ladakh’s Perspective: Ladakh embraced this shift. The Ladakh Buddhist Association had long desired UT status since India’s independence.
- Unique Capitals: Each new UT followed an interesting model. They each had a winter and a summer capital. For J&K, these were Jammu and Srinagar. Leh and Kargil served this purpose for Ladakh.
- Distinct Governance: Further, both UTs were overseen by Lieutenant Governors (LGs). However, a key difference existed. J&K held onto its assembly, while Ladakh did not.
Changing Number Of UTs
The period of 2019-2020 saw nine UTs in India. This number dropped to eight after Dadra and Nagar Haveli merged with Daman and Diu. An upcoming change is anticipated. The Supreme Court’s directive from December 11, 2020, envisions restoring J&K’s statehood by September 30, 2024. This means India will have seven UTs again.