Parliament Question: Absence of Elected Legislative Body

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3838 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 11TH AUGUST, 2026/ SHRAVANA 20, 1948 (SAKA) ABSENCE OF ELECTED LEGISLATIVE BODY †3838. SHRI PATEL UMESHBHAI BABUBHAI: Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that due to the absence of an elected legislative body in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, the participation of local public representatives in administrative and development decision-making processes is limited; (b) whether the Government is considering to constitute Development/Advisory Territorial Council with adequate representation of Members of Parliament, Zila Panchayats, Municipalities and other elected representatives to strengthen democratic participation; (c) whether the Government proposes to empower the said Council with mandatory consultation rights regarding prioritization of development schemes, review of major projects and key administrative decisions; and (d) whether the Government has studied the administrative models of other Union Territories and formulated any policy regarding providing Rajya Sabha representation and greater democratic self-governance to Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI) (a) The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu has geographical area of 603 square km and population of 5,86,956 as per Census-2- L.S.US.Q.NO. 3838 FOR 11.08.2026 2011. The Union Territory has adequate democratic mechanism to ensure participatory governance. The Union Territory is represented in the Lok Sabha through 02 elected Members of Parliament. In accordance with the provisions of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment, the Union Territory has two-tier panchayat system in rural areas and municipal councils in urban areas. The elected local bodies, constituted under the “The Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Panchayat Regulation, 2012” play a significant role in local governance, development planning and implementation of welfare and developmental programmes. The Sarpanches of Gram Panchayats have been vested with adequate financial powers under "The Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Panchayats (Application of Funds and Maintenance of Accounts) Rules - 2024". (b) to (d) No such proposal is under consideration of the Ministry at present. *****