The Government of Union Territories Act, 1963
The Government of Union Territories Act, 1963
📌 Purpose:
The Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 was enacted by the Indian Parliament to provide governance structures for Union Territories (UTs) that do not have their own legislature under the Constitution.
The Act mainly applies to UTs like Puducherry and formerly Delhi (until the NCT Act came into force), and it provides a framework for:
A Legislative Assembly
A Council of Ministers
A Lieutenant Governor (Administrator)
🏛️ Key Provisions of the Act:
1. Creation of Legislative Assemblies
The Act allows the central government to:
Establish a Legislative Assembly for Union Territories
Decide the number of seats, constituencies, and qualifications of members
2. Lieutenant Governor (LG)
Each Union Territory is administered by a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India.
LG is the executive head of the UT.
3. Council of Ministers
UTs with a legislature have a Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister.
The President appoints the Chief Minister, and on their advice, other ministers are appointed.
The Council aids and advises the LG, except in matters where LG is required to act at his discretion.
4. Legislative Powers
The UT Legislative Assembly can make laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List, except those reserved for Parliament.
However, Parliament retains the supremacy in case of conflict between Union and UT laws.
5. Functions of the Assembly
Discuss and pass legislation
Discuss the Annual Financial Statement (Budget)
Ask questions and hold the government accountable
6. Dissolution or Suspension
The President can dissolve or suspend the Legislative Assembly in case of failure of constitutional machinery or if necessary in public interest.
7. Limitations
Not all UTs have legislatures.
The central government has overriding power in Union Territories.
📋 Table Summary of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Act | Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 |
| Purpose | Provides administrative and legislative framework for Union Territories |
| Applicable To | Union Territories (e.g., Puducherry, Delhi before 1991) |
| Legislative Assembly | Can be created by the Centre; has power to make laws on State/Concurrent List subjects |
| Lieutenant Governor | Appointed by the President; administrative head of the UT |
| Council of Ministers | Headed by Chief Minister; advises LG |
| Law-Making Powers | On State List and Concurrent List subjects (with restrictions) |
| President’s Role | Can dissolve or suspend Assembly; central oversight |
| Discretionary Powers of LG | LG can act independently in matters where discretion is given by law |
| Limitations | UT Assembly has fewer powers than a State Assembly; Parliament has supremacy |
📝 Importance of the Act
Provides a constitutional framework for governance in UTs.
Balances local self-governance with central control.
Enables democratic representation in UTs like Puducherry.
Forms the basis of Delhi's governance system before the NCT Act (1991). Do write to us if you need any further assistance.
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