1. Union of India

1.1 Constitution of India

• Article 1 defines the Union of India as comprising States, Union Territories, and the territory of India.
• Article 2 provides for the admission into the Union of new States.
• Article 3 deals with the formation of new States and alteration of boundaries of existing States.
• Article 4 outlines the powers of the Union in relation to the States.

1.2 Key Provisions

1.3 Amendments

• Article 1 was amended by the 1st Amendment (1951) to add “Sikkim” as a State.
• Article 2 was amended by the 10th Amendment (1961) to include Goa, Daman and Diu as Union Territories.
• Article 3 was amended by the 15th Amendment (1963) to provide for the formation of the State of Nagaland.
• Article 4 was amended by the 42nd Amendment (1976) to include “the Union of India” in the Preamble.

2. Union Territories

2.1 Definition

• Union Territories are administratively part of the Union of India and are under the direct control of the Central Government.
• They may have a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator appointed by the President.

2.2 List of Union Territories (as of 2024)

2.3 Special Status

• Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have special status under Article 370 (repealed in 2019 for Jammu and Kashmir) and Article 371A (for Ladakh).
• Delhi is a Union Territory with special status under Article 239AA.

2.4 Key Differences: State vs. Union Territory

3. Constitutional Provisions for Union and Territories

3.1 Articles 1 to 4

3.2 Key Amendments

• 1st Amendment (1951): Added Sikkim as a State.
• 10th Amendment (1961): Added Goa, Daman and Diu as Union Territories.
• 15th Amendment (1963): Formed the State of Nagaland.
• 42nd Amendment (1976): Added “the Union of India” to the Preamble.

4. Important Dates and Terms

• 1950: Constitution of India came into effect.
• 1956: Sikkim became a State.
• 1961: Goa, Daman and Diu became Union Territories.
• 1963: Nagaland became a State.
• 1976: “Union of India” added to the Preamble.
• 2019: Repeal of Article 370 (Jammu and Kashmir).
• 2019: Ladakh became a Union Territory.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (SSC, RRB)

5.1 What is the difference between a State and a Union Territory?

• A State has a Governor and a Legislative Assembly.
• A Union Territory is governed by a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator and may or may not have a Legislative Assembly.

5.2 Which Union Territory has the special status of being a “National Capital Territory”?

• Delhi is a National Capital Territory under Article 239AA.

5.3 Which Union Territory was formed from the merger of two Union Territories?

• Chandigarh was formed from the merger of Punjab and Haryana in 1952.

5.4 Which Union Territory was formed in 2019?

• Ladakh was formed in 2019 from Jammu and Kashmir.

5.5 Which Union Territory is administered by the President?

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands is administered by the President through the Governor.

6. Summary Table