The creation of Union Territories (UTs) in India has been a dynamic process, marked by legislative, administrative, and political changes over time. The establishment, reorganization, and alteration of Union Territories have been driven by various factors, including administrative efficiency, governance considerations, regional demands, and geopolitical circumstances.
- Constitutional Provisions:
- The Constitution of India provides for the establishment of Union Territories under Article 1(4) and Article 3. Article 1(4) states that the President may by a public notification declare that a territory shall become a Union Territory. Article 3 empowers the Parliament to make laws for the formation of new states and the alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states and Union Territories.
- Initial Formation (1956):
- The first major reorganization of states and Union Territories took place in 1956, following the recommendations of the States Reorganization Commission. This led to the creation of Union Territories such as Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and the merger of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Goa, Daman, and Diu (1961):
- Goa, Daman, and Diu were liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961 and were initially administered as a single Union Territory. Goa, Daman, and Diu were later granted statehood and union territory status, respectively.
- Separation of Himachal Pradesh (1971):
- Himachal Pradesh, which was initially a Union Territory, was granted full statehood in 1971.
- Creation of Northeastern Union Territories (1972):
- The northeastern states were reorganized, leading to the creation of Union Territories such as Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura. Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh were also carved out as Union Territories before eventually gaining statehood.
- Reorganization of Chandigarh (1984):
- Chandigarh, initially the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, became a Union Territory following the reorganization of Punjab in 1984.
- Creation of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand (2000):
- In 2000, the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand were carved out of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, respectively. During this reorganization, some territories were also designated as Union Territories.
- Formation of Telangana (2014):
- Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh and became a separate state in 2014. Following this, residuary Andhra Pradesh and the city of Hyderabad were designated as a Union Territory for a temporary period.
- Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (2019):
- In August 2019, the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was abrogated, and the region was reorganized into two separate Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (2020):
- In 2020, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu were merged into a single Union Territory.
- Evolution of Puducherry:
- Puducherry, initially formed by the merger of French India territories, has undergone changes over the years. It is currently a Union Territory with its own legislature.
The creation, alteration, and reorganization of Union Territories are often undertaken through parliamentary acts, and these decisions are shaped by socio-political considerations, administrative efficiency, and the need for effective governance. The status and composition of Union Territories are subject to change based on evolving circumstances and government policies.
