A Union Territory is an administrative division of India, in the federal framework of governance. Unlike the states of India, which have their own elected governments, Union Territories are ruled directly by the federal government; the President of India appoints an Administrator or Lieutenant-Governor for each territory.
There are seven Union Territories. Delhi, the capital of India, is also a Union Territory. Delhi and Pondicherry have been given partial statehood. Delhi is redefined as National Capital Territory. Delhi and Pondicherry have their own elected legislative assemblies and the executive councils of ministers, but their powers are limited; certain legislation must be reserved for the "consideration and assent" of the President of India. The following are the current Union Territories of India:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Chandigarh
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Daman and Diu
- National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT)
- Lakshadweep
- Pondicherry
Union Territories of India have special rights and status due to their constitutional formation and development. They may be given this constitutional status for reasons such as safeguarding the rights of indigenous cultures of that region, averting political turmoil related to matters of administration and so on. These union territories could be changed to states in the coming times to exercise better control in their administration.
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