Table of Contents
Union Territories of India Map: Union Territory is a region in India that is directly administered by the Central Government and does not have their own government. It 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 territories governed, in part or in whole, by the Union Government of India. The Central Government plays a crucial role in the administration, governance, and legislation of Union Territories. It can directly intervene in matters concerning administration, finance, and legislation.
Administrative divisions of India consist of 28 states and eight Union Territories. Union territories hold significant importance in the political and administrative structure of the country.
There are currently eight union territories of India namely Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Union territories of India map shows all the union territories highlighting the geographical locations and boundaries of all eight union territories in India. Union territories of India map is a useful resource as it provides information about major cities, landmarks, and bodies of water to provide context and aid in navigation.
Union Territories of India on Political Map
List of 8 Union Territories with their capitals, formation date and their Population
| Union Territory | Capital | Formation Date | Population (2011 Census) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair | November 1, 1956 | 379,944 |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh | November 1, 1966 | 1,054,686 |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Daman | January 26, 2020 | 586,956 |
| Lakshadweep | Kavaratti | November 1, 1956 | 64,473 |
| Delhi | New Delhi | November 1, 1956 | 16,787,941 |
| Puducherry | Puducherry | November 1, 1954 | 1,244,464 |
| Ladakh | Leh | October 31, 2019 | 274,000 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer) and Jammu (Winter) | October 31, 2019 | 12,548,926 |
Indian Union Territories and Capitals
Currently, India comprises 28 States and 8 Union Territories. Previously, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two Union Territories, known as J&K and Ladakh. This change occurred due to a reorganization act passed by the Parliament on August 5-6, 2020. As of now, India has a total of 8 Union Territories.
| Union Territories Name | Capital |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman |
| Delhi | New Delhi |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer)
Jammu (Winter) |
| Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
| Puducherry | Pondicherry |
| Ladakh | Leh |
Administration of Union Territories Of India
The administration of Union Territories (UTs) in India is distinct from that of states. Union Territories are regions directly administered by the Central Government of India.
Union territories of India are directly administered by the federal government under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The provisions regarding the administration of Union Territories are outlined in the Constitution of India.
● Lieutenant Governor/Administrator: Union Territories are headed by a Lieutenant Governor or an Administrator, depending on the UT. In some cases, a Chief Commissioner or an Administrator may be appointed.
● Appointment by the President: The Lieutenant Governor or Administrator is appointed by the President of India. The appointment is made based on the recommendation of the Central Government.
● Powers and Functions: The Lieutenant Governor or Administrator is the head of the administration in the Union Territory. They have executive powers and function as the representative of the President in the UT.
● Council of Ministers: Some Union Territories, like Delhi and Puducherry, have a legislative assembly and a Council of Ministers. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in these cases.
● Special Provisions: Certain Union Territories have special provisions. For example, Delhi has a unique arrangement with an elected legislative assembly, a Council of Ministers, and a Lieutenant Governor.
● Parliamentary Oversight: The Parliament of India has the authority to make laws for Union Territories. The President can also promulgate ordinances for a UT when Parliament is not in session.
● Delhi and Puducherry: Delhi and Puducherry have a special status with a legislative assembly and a Council of Ministers. However, the Lieutenant Governor’s role in these UTs has been a subject of discussion and sometimes contention.
● Administration of Union Territories without Legislature: In Union Territories without a legislature, the Lieutenant Governor or Administrator exercises executive and legislative powers. The Central Government has a more direct role in such UTs.
● Police and Public Order: The administration of police and public order is generally under the control of the Lieutenant Governor or Administrator. Law and order issues are managed by the local police force.
● Central Government’s Role: The Central Government plays a crucial role in the administration of Union Territories. It can directly intervene in matters related to administration, legislation, and finance.
● Constitutional Amendments: Changes in the administrative setup of Union Territories may occur through constitutional amendments. The status and powers of Union Territories can be altered based on the evolving needs and circumstances.
How to learn Map of Union Territories of India
Learning the map of Union Territories in India can be made easier through visual aids. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a pictorial representation for students
Materials Needed
India Map Outline: Print or draw a clear outline map of India.
Colors: Different colored pencils or markers for each Union Territory.
Labels: Write the names of Union Territories neatly.
Steps
Get the Map Ready: Start with a clear outline of India on a large sheet of paper or use a digital map on a computer.
Identify Union Territories: Locate the Union Territories on the map. India has seven Union Territories:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Chandigarh
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
- Lakshadweep
- Delhi (National Capital Territory of Delhi)
- Puducherry
- Ladakh
- Jammu and Kashmir
Color Coding: Assign a different color to each Union Territory for easy identification. For example:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Blue
- Chandigarh: Red
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: Green
- Lakshadweep: Yellow
- Delhi: Purple
- Puducherry: Orange
- Ladakh: Pink
- Jammu and Kashmir: Brown
Color and Label: Color each Union Territory with its assigned color and label them accordingly. Ensure that the labels are legible and placed near the respective territories.
Review and Quiz: After creating the map, review it with the students. Quiz them by asking them to identify and name each Union Territory correctly.
Interactive Activities: Encourage interactive activities like games, quizzes, or drawing exercises to reinforce their learning.
Periodic Revisions: Periodically revisit the map to ensure retention and understanding among the students.
By creating a visually appealing and labeled map, students can better understand and remember the Union Territories of India. Additionally, interactive sessions and regular revisions will help in reinforcing their knowledge.
Constitutional Status of Union Territories of India
The constitutional status of Union Territories is derived from the Constitution of India, which grants powers to Parliament and the President to determine their creation, boundaries, and administration.
Parliament has the authority to make laws for Union Territories, and the President can also promulgate ordinances for a UT when Parliament is not in session.
The constitutional provisions related to Union Territories evolves over time to accommodate changes in administrative structures and governance. Changes in the constitutional setup of Union Territories may occur through constitutional amendments. The territorial integrity of India is preserved through constitutional provisions. Delhi and Puducherry have special provisions. Both have legislative assemblies, a Council of Ministers, and a Lieutenant Governor.
Famous Places To Visit In Union Territories Of India
Each Union Territory offers a rich diversity of attractions, including historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural landmarks. Each Union Territory in India has its own unique attractions and places of interest. Here are some of the famous places to visit in different Union Territories:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Cellular Jail: A historical jail used by the British to exile political prisoners.
Radhanagar Beach: Known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters.Havelock Island: Famous for its beautiful beaches, especially Radhanagar Beach.
Chandigarh
Rock Garden: A unique garden made entirely of industrial and home waste.
Sukhna Lake: A serene artificial reservoir with a promenade for leisure.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Dudhni Lake: A scenic lake surrounded by hills and greenery.
Devka Beach: A popular beach in Daman known for its picturesque setting.
Lakshadweep
Agatti Island: Known for its coral reefs and water sports.
Kavaratti: The capital, featuring the Ujra Mosque and a beautiful lagoon.
Delhi (National Capital Territory of Delhi)
India Gate: A war memorial and iconic landmark in Delhi.
Qutub Minar: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tallest brick minaret in the world.
Puducherry
Auroville: An experimental township promoting unity and diversity.
Promenade Beach: A scenic beach with a picturesque view of the Bay of Bengal.
Jammu and Kashmir
Dal Lake: Famous for houseboats and Shikara rides.
Gulmarg: A popular hill station and skiing destination.
Ladakh
Pangong Lake: A breathtaking high-altitude lake known for its changing colours.
Nubra Valley: Famous for its sand dunes and the Diskit Monastery.
Union Territories of India Map – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Union Territories are there in India?
There are 8 Union Territories in India. These are Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
How is Delhi different from other Union Territories?
Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), has a special status. It has an elected legislative assembly, a Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister, and a Lieutenant Governor.
Do Union Territories have representation in the Rajya Sabha?
Yes, Union Territories with a legislative assembly (like Delhi and Puducherry) have representation in the Rajya Sabha, which is the upper house of Parliament.
What is the difference between a state and a Union Territory?
States in India have their own governments with a Chief Minister and a state legislature. And Union Territories are directly governed by the President through an Administrator or Lieutenant Governor.
