Union territory

Union territory
National Capital Territory Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chandigarh Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Lakshadweep Puducherry
Category	Federated states
Location	Republic of India
Number	8 (as of 2022)
Populations	Lakshadweep – 64,473 (lowest) National Capital Territory of Delhi – 31,181,376 (highest)
Areas	Lakshadweep – 32 km2 (12 sq mi) (smallest) Ladakh – 59,146 km2 (22,836 sq mi) (largest)
Government	Central government
Subdivisions	Districts Divisions

A Union Territory (UT) in India is a region that is directly governed by the central government, as opposed to states, which have their own local government systems. Unlike states, Union Territories do not have their own full-fledged government but are administered by a Lieutenant governor or Administrator appointed by the President of India.^[1]

Union Territories are created for various reasons, including geographical importance, strategic necessity, or historical factors. These areas are under the control of the central government to ensure uniformity in governance across the country. Some Union Territories, such as Delhi (National Capital Territory) and Puducherry, have been granted special status and are allowed to have their own legislative assemblies, which can pass laws on certain matters, though the central government still retains significant authority.^[2]

The distinction between states and Union territories is defined in the Constitution of India. The Constitution designed Union Territories to manage areas that require more direct central control or have specific administrative needs. This ensures that regions like Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir remain directly controlled by the central government.^[3]

Currently, India has several Union Territories, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir.^[4]