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 usually federal territories governed directly by the central Government of India.

The Central government on August 5 did away with the special status awarded to Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating certain provisions of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The government also introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill in the Rajya Sabha, bifurcating the State into two Union Territories (UT) — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The UT of Jammu and Kashmir will have a legislature, similar to Delhi and Puducherry, while the UT of Ladakh will not, mirroring UTs like Chandigarh and Daman and Diu.

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UTs- the history:

• After independence in 1947, States were divided into 4 lists: Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.
• In 1956, States reorganization act was passed and mostly states mentioned in Part C and Part D were either merged into states mentioned in Part A and Part B and left were termed as union territories.
• So, in 1956, Andaman and Nicobar, Delhi , Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura and Laccadive minicoy and amindivi island (later collectively becomes Lakshadweep) were 6 union territories of India.
• Then, Goa, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Puducherry ceded to Indian. Some Union territories like Himachal pradesh, Manipur and Tripura later gained statehood.
• So, now only 7 union territories remains Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar haveli, Daman and Diu, Puducherry and Chandigarh.

Reasons behind creation of UTs:

• Small population and land size: The union territories (except Delhi) has very small populations and land size comparing to a state hence, running legislative assembly and a council of ministers for them will cost additional burden to exchequer.
• Strategic locations: Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar islands are far west and east end of our country and they are quite far from mainland hence it is easier to govern them directly through Central government because they are very strategically important for India and in case of any emergency, Indian government can directly act there.
• Protection of indigenous cultures: Some of the union territories have different culture than surrounding state like Dadra and nagar haveli, Daman and Diu (Portuguese), Puducherry (French) and most recently Ladakh.
• Administrative importance: Delhi and Chandigarh are two union territories which are important as administrative capital of India and administrative capital of Haryana and Punjab. So, control of these union territories is important for Indian government.
• Security situation and general backwardness: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are located on the borders neighbouring Pakistan and China. Having faced aggressions from both nations and constant terror incidents, the state was economically lagging despite natural resources.

Constitutional status:

• Article 1 (1) of the Indian constitution says that India shall be a “Union of States”, which are elaborated under Parts V (The Union) and VI (The States) of the constitution.
• Article 1 (3) says the territory of India comprises the territories of the states, the union territories and other territories that may be acquired.
• The concept of union territories was not in the original version of the constitution, but was added by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956.
• citizenship (part II), fundamental rights (part III), Directive Principles of State Policy (part IV), Judiciary role, the Union Territories (part VIII), Article 245, etc. are applicable to union territories as it refers specifically to Territories of India.
• The executive power of Union (i.e. union of states only) rests with President of India. President of India is also chief administrator of union territories per Article 239.
• As per Article 240 (2), supreme power is accorded to the President in regulating the affairs of the all the union territories except Chandigarh, NCT and Puducherry, including powers to override the laws made by Parliament and the constitution of India.
• Union territories with their own elected legislatures and governments: Puducherry, National Capital Territory of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir (proposed from 31 October 2019),

Conclusion:

                The Parliament has the power to redraw the political map of India. Over the years, the UTs are formed keeping in mind the geographical and other strategic factors. The direct control of the Union Government will help the socio-politico and economic developments of the UTs.