| Demand of the question Introduction. Contextual Introduction. Body. Difference between states and UTs. Conclusion. Contextual Conclusion. |
A union territory is a type of administrative division in the Republic of India. Unlike the states of India, which have their own governments, union territories are federal units governed directly by the union government. The States Reorganisation Commission, 1956 recommended creation of a different category for territories which did not fit the model of a state.
Reasons for creation of Union Territories in India: The union territories have been created for a variety of reasons. These are mentioned below:
- Political and administrative Reasons: Union Territory can be created for Political and administrative reason to ensure better governance. E.g Delhi and Chandigarh.
- Cultural distinctiveness: UTs are created to conserve and secure culture of a region distinctive from surrounding state. Puducherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu were created due to these reasons.
- Strategic importance: Due to location and international borders, some areas are important strategically and for security of India. Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep and now Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir are created Due to strategical significance.
- Special treatment and care of the backward and tribal people: Many UTs were created due to special needs and to secure benefits and rights to tribal people. Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh which later became states were created due to these reasons.
States vis-a-vis Union Territory in India:
| States | Union Territories |
| States are administrative units ruled by their own governments. | UTs are administrative units ruled directly by the central government through an administrator. |
| States have more powers as they are independent unit which consists of its own Legislative Assembly with elected representatives. | UTs have lesser power than states irrespective of the option of forming governments and having a Legislature. |
| In states President can exercise control through special provisions of President rule with parliament approval. | In UTs the President of India has power to control the administrative directly through administrator. |
| Relationship with the Centre is Federal. | Relationship with Centre is Unitary with all the powers rests in the hands of Union. |
| States are large in Area. | UTs are small in area as compare to States. |
Thus, Union Territories are special arrangements to manage the administrative and other affairs. India is divided into various States and Union Territories according to composition, size and need. State are more powerful and are more autonomous than Union Territories.
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