Union Territory with an Assembly

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reiterated the National Conference’s (NC) demand for the restoration of special status to the Union Territory. Speaking in the J&K Assembly, he argued that the current model of a Union Territory with an Assembly should be done away with and removed from the Constitution. 

Opposition to UT-with-Assembly Model

Abdullah maintained that the existing constitutional arrangement does not adequately reflect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating the NC’s long-standing position against the UT-with-legislature framework. 

Administration of Union Territories

Under Article 239 of the Constitution, Union Territories are administered by the President of India, acting through an Administrator appointed by him. In several UTs, these Administrators are designated as Lieutenant Governors (LGs). 

Lieutenant Governors and Administrators

The Administrators of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Puducherry are designated as Lieutenant Governors.
The Governor of Punjab also functions as the Administrator of Chandigarh, while the Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli concurrently serves as the Administrator of Daman and Diu.  Lakshadweep has a separate Administrator. 

Legislative Provisions for UTs

The Constitution, under Article 239A, provides for the creation of local Legislatures, Councils of Ministers, or both for certain Union Territories. 

UTs with Legislative AssembliesAt present, the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Article 239AA), Jammu & Kashmir, and the Union Territory of Puducherry (Article 239A) have Legislative Assemblies and Councils of Ministers, making them distinct from other UTs administered entirely through the Centre.