The recent introduction of a Bill in the Lok Sabha seeking to merge Union Territories (UTs) Daman and Diu (D&D) and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH) has sparked substantial interest. This proposed merger is driven by the potential for improved service delivery, heightened efficiency, and reduced paperwork across both territories.
Necessity of Merger: Cutting Down Redundancy
A significant reason behind the proposed merger is the duplication, inefficiency, and wasteful expenditure resulting from the existence of separate constitutional and administrative bodies across the two UTs. This move towards consolidation aligns with the government’s motto – Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.
Merger Feasibility: Small Population and Geographic Limitations
The small population and limited geographical area of both UTs make the merger practical and manageable. Efficient use of officer services are also among the expected benefits. Comparatively, the move follows the recent historic decision to bifurcate the State of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Minimum Government, Maximum Governance
This guiding principle of the central government aspires to create a more citizen-friendly and accountable administration. The aim is to bring government closer to citizens, encouraging them to actively participate in the governance process while reducing their time and efforts. To achieve this, simplifying procedures and processes is crucial, allowing for a transparent, faster system. Other components include identifying and repealing obsolete laws, shortening official forms, leveraging technology to increase transparency, and establishing a strong public grievance redress system.
Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli: A Brief Overview
These two UTs lie in India’s western region. Daman and Diu are two broadly separated districts on the southern side of Gujarat, with Daman located on Gujarat’s southern coast and Diu covering an island off the southern coast of Gujarat’s Kathiawar Peninsula. Both these regions are in close proximity to DNH.
| Union Territory | Geographical Location |
|---|---|
| Daman and Diu | Located on the southern side of Gujarat. Daman is an enclave on Gujarat’s southern coast and Diu covers an island off the southern coast of Gujarat’s Kathiawar Peninsula. |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli | Consists of two separate parts – Dadra surrounded by Gujarat and Nagar Haveli bordering Maharashtra and Gujarat. |
DNH consists of two separate parts – Dadra surrounded by Gujarat and Nagar Haveli located on the borders of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Both these territories were colonized by the Portuguese and gained liberation in December 1961. They were separated from the previous Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu when Goa received statehood in 1987.
References
Source: TH
