8 Union Territories of India

8 Union Territories of India: India has 8 union territories at present. India is a union of states, which includes characteristics of sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republics along with a Parliamentary system of Government. The President is the constitutional head of the Executive of the Union. The State of Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood and was converted into a separate union territory and Ladakh was carved out of Jammu and Kashmir and created as a separate union territory on 31st October 2019. Union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli also Daman and Diu were established on 26 January 2020, merging them and hence India has 8 union territories and not 9.

Let us dive in and study the 8 Union Territories in detail!

Union Territories of India

Union Territories of India – An Overview

An overview on Union Territories of India include the following:

Union Territory	Capital	Area	Establishment
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	Port Blair	Approx 8,249 sq.km	1956
Delhi	New Delhi	Approx 1,484 sq. km	1956, In 1992, Delhi was redesignated as the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Lakshadweep	Kavaratti	Approx 32.63 sq. km. It is the smallest Union Territory of India	1956
Chandigarh	Chandigarh	Approx 114.2 sq. km	1966
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu.	Daman	Approx 603 sq. km	Dadra and Nagar Haveli–1961, Daman and Diu–1962. It got merged into a single Union Territory after Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Merger of Union Territories Act, 2019
Puducherry	Pondicherry	Approx 479 sq. km	1962
Jammu and Kashmir	Srinagar in Summer Jammu in Winter	Approx 125.535 sq. km	2019
Ladakh	Leh	Approx 96,701sq.km	2019

Union Territories of India 2024

Union Territories are governed directly by the Central Government, with a Lieutenant Governor serving as an administrator who is the President of India’s representative and is nominated by the President on the suggestion of the Prime Minister. Except for Delhi and Puducherry, Union Territories have no representation in the Rajya Sabha.

Each Union territory’s Administrator has a functional role distinct from his peers in other Union areas. For successful government, the Union territories are further subdivided into smaller administrative divisions and villages are the smallest administrative unit.

8 Union Territories of India – Capitals, Area and Population

In the Republic of India, specific regions are designated as Union Territories (UTs). These territories are directly overseen by the Central Government through a Lieutenant Governor, who acts as the envoy of the Indian President. Unlike states, which are divisions of the Indian Republic with their own administrative systems, Union Territories are administered directly by the Central Government.

As of 2023, there are eight Union Territories in India. These include Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Puducherry. The following is a list of the eight Union Territories of India along with relevant details:

Union Territory	Year of Foundation	Capital City	Population (2011 census)	Area (square km)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	November 1956	Port Blair	3,80,581	8,249
Chandigarh	1966	Chandigarh	10,55,451	115
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	January 2020	Daman	3,43,709	603
Delhi	1956	New Delhi	1,67,87,941	1,483
Lakshadweep	November 1956	Kavaratti	64,473	32
Puducherry	November 1954	Pondicherry	12,47,953	479
Jammu and Kashmir	October 2019	Srinagar in Summer and Jammu in Winter	1,22,67,013	42,241
Ladakh	October 2019	Leh	2,74,289	59,146

Largest Union Territories of India

When considering the geographical extent, Ladakh is the largest Union Territory in India, including a land area of 59,146 square kilometres. In terms of population, however, Delhi is the leader as the largest Union Territory. According to the 2011 Census, Delhi is home to a population of 16,787,941 individuals.

Union Territories of India and Their Capitals

India includes a total of eight distinctive Union Territories, each characterised by its own distinctive attributes and administration. These are Ladakh, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry and Lakshadweep.

In 2019, the Indian government enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, marking a significant legislative landmark. This act led to the division of the existing state of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union Territories i.e., Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, each with its own distinct governance framework.

Furthermore, in the year 2020, a consolidation occurred in the administration and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu merged to form a single entity, now referred to as Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Given below is a list of these 8 Union Territories along with their respective capitals:

Union Territory	Capital
Jammu and Kashmir	Srinagar ( Summer), Jammu (Winter)
Lakshadweep	Kavaratti
Chandigarh	Chandigarh
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	Daman
Puducherry	Puducherry
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	Port Blair
Delhi	New Delhi
Ladakh	Leh (Summer) and Kargil (winter)

Union Territories of India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Particulars	Description
Area	8,249 square kilometre
Population	4 Lakhs
Capital	Port Blair
Languages	Hindi, Bengali, Nicrobares, Malayam, Telugu and Tamil

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory is situated between 6° & 14° North Latitude and 92° & 94° East Longitude. The islands north of 10° north latitude are called the Andaman Group, while those in south are the Nicobar Group. These islands experience a humid, tropical coastal climate characterised by rainfall from both southwest and northeast monsoons, peaking between May and December. Indigenous communities include four Negrito tribes in the Andaman Group and two Mongoloid tribes in the Nicobar Group.

Union Territories of India: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

Particulars	Description
Area	603 square kilometer
Population	4 Lakhs (Approx)
Capital	Daman
Languages	Gujarati and Hindi

The Daman and Diu were merged into Dadra and Nagar Haveli, forming a single Union Territory. Originally functioning with relative autonomy from 1954 to 1961, this territory merged with India in 1961 and is administered as a UT under the Government of India.

Union Territories of India: Lakshadweep

Particulars	Description
Area	32 square kilometre
Population	64,429 (approx)
Capital	Kavaratti
Languages	Jeseri, Malayalam and Mahal

Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, consists of 12 atolls, three reefs and submerged sand banks. Its history is lesser-known and its islands are scattered in the Arabian Sea. Its inhabitants, believed to have converted to Islam from Hinduism in the 14th century, exhibit distinct cultural traits.

Union Territories of India: Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Particulars	Description
Area	479 Square Kilometre
Population	12,44,464 (approx)
Capital	Puducherry
Languages	Malayam, Tamil, English, French and Telugu

Puducherry comprises former French establishments, including Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Having been under French rule for 138 years, it merged with India in 1954. It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

Union Territories of India: NCT of Delhi

Particulars	Description
Area	1,483 square kilometres
Population	1,67,53,235 (approx)
Capital	Delhi
Languages	Punjabi, Hindi, English and Urdu

Delhi, with a rich historical legacy, became a Union Territory in 1956. It was the capital under several rulers, including the Mughals and later the British. It acquired a Legislative Assembly with the 69th Constitutional amendment in 1991.

Union Territories of India: Chandigarh

Particulars	Description
Area	114 square kilometre
Population	10,54,686 (approx)
Capital	Chandigarh
Languages	Punjabi, Hindi and English

Chandigarh, designed by Le Corbusier, is a modern architectural marvel and serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana.

Union Territories of India: Ladakh

Particulars	Description
Area	59,146 square kilometre
Population	2.74 lakhs (approx)
Capital	Leh
Languages	Ladakhi, Sino- Tibetan and Tibeto-Burman

Ladakh officially attained the status of a Union Territory on October 31, 2019. This region is celebrated for its remote mountainous landscapes and distinct cultural heritage. The Union Territory of Ladakh is comprised of two principal districts: Leh and Kargil.

With its unique administrative divisions, Ladakh’s Leh District consists of six sub-divisions, eight tehsils and sixteen blocks, for an effective governance structure. The district includes a network of 95 panchayats governing local affairs across 113 villages. Similarly, the Kargil District is divided into four sub-divisions, seven tehsils and fifteen blocks, presided over by 98 panchayats that manage 130 villages.

Leh District:

• Sub-Divisions: 6
• Tehsils: 8
• Blocks: 16
• Panchayat: 95
• Villages: 113

Kargil District:

• Sub-Divisions: 4
• Tehsils: 7
• Blocks: 15
• Panchayat: 98
• Villages: 130

Union Territories of India: Jammu and Kashmir

Particulars	India
Capital	Jammu (winter) and Srinagar (Summer)
Area	42,241 square kilometre
Languages	Urdu, Balti, Kashmiri, Gojri, Dogri, Ladakhi, Pahari and Dari

Understanding Union Territories of India

Union Territories (UTs) in India are federal territories governed directly by the Union Government. They are regions characterised by central administration, overseen by appointed Lieutenant Governors (LGs) who act as representatives of the Indian President. The concept of UTs was introduced through the 1956 States Reorganisation Act, enshrined in the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act of 1956.

Indian Union Territories: Historical Context

In the discussions surrounding the reorganisation of states in 1956, it was recognised that certain territories did not neatly fit the classification of states and lacked a uniform governance structure. These territories faced economic imbalances, financial fragility and administrative and political instability, rendering them reliant on the Union government for sustenance.

As a result, the concept of Union Territories was introduced to cater to these specific conditions. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were the pioneering Union Territory and Chandigarh was designated as a joint capital for Punjab and Haryana. More recently, Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Additionally, Dadra and Nagar Haveli were merged with Daman and Diu, creating a single entity.

Distinct Systems in Delhi and Puducherry among Union Territories

Among the states and Union Territories in India, Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir stand out due to their elected legislatures.

Delhi and Puducherry’s Unique Status

Out of the total eight Union Territories in India, Delhi and Puducherry have their own elected assemblies. These two UTs have been granted partial statehood through amendments to the Constitution.

Legislative and Administrative Autonomy

Delhi and Puducherry function with their legislative assemblies and executive councils, operating in a manner similar to full-fledged states. They possess certain subjects from the State List and some subjects under central jurisdiction.

Constitutional Framework for Union Territories of India

The governance of Union Territories falls under Articles 239 to 241 under Part VIII of the Indian Constitution. The structure of their governance, however, is not uniform.

The original Article 239 of the Constitution allowed the President to administer UTs directly through appointed administrators.

In 1962, Article 239A was introduced, empowering Parliament to establish legislatures for UTs. Some UTs were granted legislatures and Councils of Ministers to accommodate democratic aspirations. The 69th Amendment Act of 1991 introduced special provisions for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, embedded in Article 239AA.

Presidential Authority over Union Territories of India

Article 240 grants the President the authority to enact laws for the welfare, development and efficient administration of territories like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Puducherry. However, in the case of Puducherry, such regulations can be imposed only after the assembly’s dissolution or suspension. These Presidential regulations carry the same legal weight as parliamentary acts.

Article 241 allows Parliament to declare any court within a territory as a High Court for the Constitution’s purposes. Only Delhi’s National Capital Territory has an independent High Court.

Need of Union Territories of India

The creation of UTs stemmed from several reasons. Some regions were too small to function autonomously, while others were geographically, economically and culturally distinct, making integration with neighbouring states impractical. Additionally, certain areas were economically or politically weak and could not function as independent administrative entities, necessitating central governance. For reasons of identity preservation, regions like Puducherry and the UTs of Daman and Diu were designated as UTs due to their unique cultures.

Significance of Union Territories

Chandigarh serves as an administrative hub for Punjab and Haryana, while Delhi holds a unique position as the national capital. Given its important role in national politics, Delhi is under direct Union Government control. Over time, the number of Indian states increased from 14 to 28 and UTs from 6 to 8. Several UTs, such as Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, were later elevated to full state status.

Union Territories of India 2023

The administration of UTs is entrusted to the Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the President based on the Prime Minister’s recommendation. UTs are directly governed by the Central Government. While Delhi and Puducherry have representation in the Rajya Sabha, other UTs do not. There are in total 8 Union territories of India in 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Union Territories in India?

Union Territories in India are administrative divisions directly governed by the Union (Central) Government. They are overseen by appointed Lieutenant Governors acting as representatives of the President of India.

Who administers Union Territories in India?

Union Territories are administered by appointed Lieutenant Governors, who serve as the President’s representatives.

How many Union Territories are there in India?

As of 2023, there are a total of eight Union Territories in India.

Which Union Territories were newly added in India?

The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were newly added in India on October 31, 2019.

How many states are there in India in 2022?

As of 2022, India comprises 28 states and 8 Union Territories.

Who is the constitutional head of the 9 Union Territories of India?

The constitutional head of the Union Territories is the President of India, who administers them through appointed Lieutenant Governors.

Do all Union Territories have representation in the Rajya Sabha?

No, except for Delhi and Puducherry, other Union Territories do not have representation in the Rajya Sabha.

What role do administrators of Union Territories play?

Administrators of Union Territories have specific functional responsibilities unique to each Union Territory.

Which is the largest Union Territory in terms of area?

Ladakh is the largest Union Territory in terms of area, covering 59,146 square kilometers.

Which Union Territory has the highest population?

Delhi has the highest population among the Union Territories, with approximately 16,787,941 individuals according to the 2011 Census.

Why was the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir reorganised?

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, led to the division of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Which Union Territories were merged to create a single entity?

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu were made to merge In order to form a single Union Territory which is known as Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

What is the significance of Delhi and Puducherry among Union Territories?

Delhi and Puducherry have their own legislative assemblies, providing them with partial statehood and a unique status among Union Territories.

What is the constitutional framework for Union Territories?

The governance of Union Territories is outlined in Articles 239 to 241 of the Indian Constitution.

What is the role of the President in Union Territories’ governance?

The President enacts laws for the welfare and development of specific Union Territories, ensuring effective administration.