Part VIII of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration and governance of the Union Territories (UTs) of India. The UTs are territories that are directly ruled by the central government, unlike the states which have their own elected governments.
ARTICLES 239 TO 242
Article 239: Administration of Union territories
Article 239A: Creation of local Legislatures or Council of Ministers or both for certain Union territories
Article 239AA: Special provisions with respect to Delhi
Article 239AB: Provision in case of failure of constitutional machinery
Article 239B: Power of administrator to promulgate Ordinances during recess of Legislature
Article 240: Power of President to make regulations for certain Union territories
Article 241: High Courts for Union territories
Article 242: Coorg
There are currently eight UTs in India, namely, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Each UT has a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India as its administrator.
The powers and functions of the UTs are governed by the Union Territories Act, 1963. The act provides for the administration of the UTs by the President through an administrator appointed by him. The administrator has the power to make regulations for the peace, progress, and good governance of the UT.
The legislature of the UTs consists of the Legislative Assembly, which is a unicameral body. The members of the assembly are elected by the people of the UT. However, in some UTs like Puducherry, there is also a provision for nominated members. The legislative assembly has limited powers and can make laws only on subjects that are specifically entrusted to it by the Parliament.
The UTs are an integral part of India’s democracy and governance system. The central government is responsible for ensuring the welfare and development of the people living in the UTs. The administration and governance of the UTs are also regulated by various central laws and policies.
Part VIII of the Indian Constitution outlines the structure, governance, and administration of the Union Territories in India. It provides a framework for the effective management of these territories and ensures that the people living in the UTs are provided with necessary resources and facilities for their well-being.