Parliament Question: Democratic Representation of UT

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5119 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 24TH MARCH, 2026/ CHAITRA 3, 1948 (SAKA) DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION OF UT †5119. SHRI PATEL UMESHBHAI BABUBHAI: Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that subjects related to the administration, coordination of development schemes and democratic representation of Union Territories (UTs) are currently divided across various Ministries, leading to difficulties in policy coordination and effective implementation; (b) whether the Government is considering to constitute a dedicated "Ministry or Department of Union Territory Affairs" for the effective management of UTs; (c) whether the Government proposes to constitute a specific "Parliamentary Inspection Committee on Union Territories" at the parliamentary level to monitor administrative functions and ensure accountability; (d) whether the Government proposes to develop a special policy framework for regions like Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH & DD), taking into account their unique geographical and democratic requirements; (e) if not, the reasons therefor; and (f) whether the Government proposes to take any concrete initiatives in this direction in the future? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI) (a) to (f): The Union Territories are administered as per the provisions contained in the Articles 239 to 241 of Part VIII of the Constitution of India.-2- L.S.US.Q.NO. 5119 FOR 24.03.2026 Existing institutional mechanisms, including regular inter-Ministerial consultations and coordination ensure smooth policy formulation and effective implementation of developmental schemes / programmes in the Union Territories. No such proposal for constituting a dedicated Ministry / Parliamentary Inspection Committee / Special Policy Framework for Union Territories is under consideration of the Government. However, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs plays an important role in oversight, advisory and review of functioning of Union Territories. ******