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Puducherry Statehood Denied: Centre Cites Robust UT Governance Setup

The Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that Puducherry functions efficiently as a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State Nityanand Rai said the government is not considering granting it full statehood. The Centre also clarified there are no plans to create a separate ministry or parliamentary committee dedicated to Union Territories. Furthermore, a special policy framework for territories like Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu has been ruled out.

Key Points: Centre Rules Out Statehood, Separate Ministry for Puducherry, UTs

  • Centre rejects Puducherry statehood
  • No separate UT Ministry planned
  • No Parliamentary Inspection Committee for UTs
  • No special policy for territories like Daman & Diu
2 min read

Puducherry has robust governance setup to deliver public goods efficiently: Govt on statehood to Union Territory

MHA says Puducherry has efficient governance as a UT, rejects statehood demand & rules out a dedicated ministry or policy for Union Territories in Parliament reply.

"It has a robust governance and administrative setup... to deliver public goods efficiently. - MoS Nityanand Rai"

New Delhi, March 24

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday said in Lok Sabha that Puducherry has a robust governance and administrative setup within the existing constitutional and legal framework to deliver public goods efficiently.

In a written reply to a question raised by DMK MP TR Baalu on whether the government has been contemplating to accord full statehood status to Puducherry, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai Nityanand Rai said as per Article 239A of the Constitution, Puducherry is a Union Territory with legislature.

"As per Article 239A of the Constitution, Puducherry is a Union Territory with legislature. It has a robust governance and administrative setup within the existing constitutional and legal framework to deliver public goods efficiently," MoS Nityanand Rai said.

Earlier, Rai also clarified that the Central government is not considering any proposal to create a separate ministry, parliamentary inspection committee, or special policy framework exclusively for Union Territories (UTs).

The statement was made in the Lok Sabha in response to a query raised by Independent MP Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai.

In his written reply, Rai stated that the government does not find the need for a dedicated "Ministry or Department of Union Territory Affairs" for managing UTs, nor is there any plan to establish a "Parliamentary Inspection Committee on Union Territories" to monitor their administration.

He also ruled out the possibility of introducing a special policy framework tailored for regions such as Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, despite their unique geographic and administrative requirements.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from a UT, I have mixed feelings. While central oversight can ensure standards, sometimes local issues need faster, more tailored solutions. A special policy framework for UTs would have been helpful.
D
David E
Interesting read. The constitutional framework seems clear. But I wonder if the people of Puducherry themselves want statehood? That should be the primary consideration, not just administrative efficiency.
A
Ananya R
The government's stance is practical. Creating new ministries and committees just adds layers. However, I respectfully disagree on the policy framework part. Places like Daman & Diu have unique needs that a one-size-fits-all approach from Delhi might miss.
S
Siddharth J
Full statehood is a big demand. It's not just about governance but also about identity and autonomy. If the "robust setup" is truly working, fine. But are the local MLAs and the Lt. Governor always in sync? That's often the real issue in UTs with legislatures.
K
Kavya N
Good decision! We have enough states. Puducherry is small and benefits from central funding and attention. Becoming a state might strain its resources. Let it develop peacefully under the current system. 🙏

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