Classification Of The Territory Of India

Introduction 

The territories of India are subdivided into two categories, Union territories, and state territories. The states falling under the category of state list are governed by respective state governments along with the cooperation of the Central government and officials as appointed by the consent of parliament. Both the governing body of the centre and the state govern territorial regions of the state falling under the concurrent list. Exclusively, the central government governs union territories of India. Currently, there are 28 states and 8 union territories in India.

State territories

India has 28 different states that have their own representatives in the Rajya Sabha and their own legislative body of governance. The governing bodies of the States are autonomous in nature and have their own administrative and legislative power and share federal relationships with the central government. Administrative power of the state to a certain extent is regulated by the norms of the central government and is exercised by the governor and public service officials, like issues regarding bills, elections, and public service exams.

Union Territories

Union territories are the federal territories that are administered by the central government of India. A lieutenant-governor is appointed by the Centre who governs a particular union territory. However, there are certain exceptions that make Puducherry, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir have their governance and representation mirroring those of states. Daman Diu Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Delhi, Lakshadweep, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Ladakh, Andaman Nicobar and Chandigarh are the 8 union territories of India.

Types of Union territories

Union territories are further subdivided into two categories, a union territory within the regulation of the legislature and one without a legislature. Union territories with legislature are Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu kashmir; this form of union territory has a legislative body and a government. Puducherry and Delhi have their own representatives in the Rajya Sabha and have their own separate legislatures.

However, after the bifurcation in the year 2019, Jammu and Kashmir have been granted a special provision that allows them to have their own administrative body as governed by a president-appointed governor and a chief minister. Municipal activities, educational reforms, and other reformation-oriented measures undertaken by the state are governed by the legislative body of the union territory. Security affairs, however, are handled by the central government after considering the suggestions of the Lieutenant Governor. Besides handling, effective measures are undertaken to monitor the progress. Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu, and Kashmir have their legislative assembly.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep and Ladakh  are union territories without a separate legislative body.

Difference between Union and State territories

State territories

• States are constituent divisions that have their own separate state governing body. The state government is elected and is granted the authority to be the law-making body of the state
• The state government has a federal form of relation with the central government. Furthermore, the executive and legislative power is subdivided
• The central government who constitutionally heads the state appoints a governor
• The Chief Minister is the administrative leader of the state who is elected by the people
• Territorial boundaries stretch far for the states as compared to the union territories
• State governments enjoy autonomous powers

Union Territories

• Union territories are exclusively governed by the authority of the central government
• There is a unitary form of relationship between the union territories and central government that implies the legislative and executive powers are exercised with the union
• Executive powers relating to the union territories lies with the president of India
• A president who is appointed administrative figure assigns a union territory
• Union territories are smaller compared to territories of the state
• Union territories are not autonomous

Conclusion

In context with the territories, India is classified into 28 states and 8 union territories. The states have their government and legislative assembly as for the union territories they are mostly governed by the authority of the central government. State government shares a federal relation in terms of exercising powers as of union territories except Puducherry, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir the other unions are governed by the direct representative of the central government.