The government is not considering any proposal to set up a dedicated ministry, parliamentary inspection committee or special policy framework for union territories, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed Parliament on Tuesday, adding that existing institutional mechanisms are adequate.
This information came in a written response in the Lok Sabha to a set of questions posed by independent lawmaker Umeshbhai Babubhai Patel, who sought to know whether the government was aware that issues related to administration, coordination of development plans and democratic representation of union territories are currently divided across various ministries, leading to difficulties in policy coordination and effective implementation.
He further asked whether the government was proposing to establish a dedicated ministry or department of “Union Territory Affairs” for effective administration of the Union Territories, a specific Parliamentary Inspection Committee for the Union Territories to monitor administrative functions and ensure accountability, or a special policy framework for regions like Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu keeping in mind their unique geographical and democratic requirements.
“No such proposal to constitute a dedicated ministry, parliamentary inspection committee or special policy framework for the Union Territories is under consideration by the government. However, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs plays an important role in monitoring, advising and reviewing the performance of the Union Territories,” Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in the written reply.
The Minister pointed out that the United States is administered in accordance with the provisions contained in Articles 239 to 241 of Part VIII of the Constitution of India.
“Existing institutional mechanisms, including regular inter-ministerial consultations and coordination, ensure smooth policy formulation and effective implementation of development plans or programs in the United States,” Ray added.
