Union territory

For other uses, see Federal territory.

A Union Territory, abbreviated to UT, is a type of administrative division in the Republic of India. Unlike states, which have their own elected governments, union territories are ruled directly by the union government, hence the name 'union territory'. The President of India appoints an administrator or lieutenant-governor for each UT. There are seven union territories, including Delhi, the capital of India, and Chandigarh, the capital of both Haryana and Punjab.

Delhi and Puducherry (Pondicherry) operate somewhat differently from the other five. Delhi and Puducherry were given partial statehood and Delhi was redefined as the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). Delhi and Puducherry have their own elected legislative assemblies and the executive councils of ministers.

The seven current union territories are:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Chandigarh
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli
• Daman and Diu
• Lakshadweep
• Puducherry (Pondicherry)
• Delhi

Union territories of India have special rights and status due to their constitutional formation and development. The status of 'Union Territory' may be assigned to an Indian sub-jurisdiction for reasons such as safeguarding the rights of indigenous cultures, averting political turmoil related to matters of governance, and so on. These union territories could be changed to states in the future for more efficient administrative control.