What is Role of Union Territories?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
Article 1(3) of the Constitution defines the territory of India, including Union Territories.
- 2.
Article 239 empowers the President to administer Union Territories, generally through an administrator.
- 3.
Some UTs, like Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir, have legislatures and councils of ministers. They function similarly to states but with limited powers.
- 4.
The Lieutenant Governor (LG) in UTs like Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir has more powers than a Governor in a state. The LG can refer certain matters to the President.
- 5.
Visual Insights
Comparison of Union Territories with and without Legislatures
Key differences in governance and administration between Union Territories with and without legislatures.
| Feature | UTs with Legislature (e.g., Delhi, Puducherry, J&K) | UTs without Legislature (e.g., Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep) |
|---|---|---|
| Legislature | Have an elected Legislative Assembly | Do not have a Legislative Assembly |
| Council of Ministers | Have a Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister | Do not have a Council of Ministers |
| Administrator | Lieutenant Governor (LG) with more powers than a Governor in a State | Administrator appointed by the President |
| Law-making Power | Legislature can make laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List (with some exceptions) | Parliament makes laws for the UT |
| Control over Land, Police, Public Order | Central Government controls land, police, and public order in Delhi | Central Government directly controls all subjects |
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
Amit Shah advocates for continued NDA governance in Puducherry
Polity & GovernanceUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is a Union Territory and what is its constitutional basis?
A Union Territory (UT) is an administrative division in India directly governed by the Central Government. The President appoints an administrator or lieutenant governor for each UT. Article 1(3) of the Constitution defines the territory of India, including Union Territories, and Article 239 empowers the President to administer them.
Exam Tip
Remember Article 1(3) and Article 239 for Prelims. For Mains, understand the relationship between the President, administrator, and Central Government.
2. What are the key provisions related to Union Territories in the Constitution?
Key provisions include: * Article 1(3): Defines the territory of India, including UTs. * Article 239: Empowers the President to administer UTs through an administrator. * Article 239A: Deals with the creation of local legislatures or councils of ministers for certain UTs.
- •Article 1(3): Defines the territory of India, including UTs.
