The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) plays a central role in the governance of Union Territories (UTs) as it is the nodal ministry for all matters related to UTs, including legislation, finance, budget, services, and the appointment of Lieutenant Governors and Administrators. This oversight is part of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.
For the five Union Territories without legislatures—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep, and Ladakh—the Ministry of Home Affairs oversees the functioning of these territories through advisory committees. These committees are important for the governance and development of the UTs:
Home Minister’s Advisory Committee (HMAC) and Administrator’s Advisory Committee (AAC):
- Purpose: These committees are forums for discussing general issues related to the social and economic development of the Union Territories.
- Chairs:
➤ Home Minister’s Advisory Committee (HMAC): Chaired by the Union Home Minister.
➤ Administrator’s Advisory Committee (AAC): Chaired by the Administrator of the concerned Union Territory.
- Membership: These committees include Members of Parliament (MPs) and elected members from local bodies such as district panchayats and municipal councils of the respective Union Territories.
- Responsibilities: The committees provide a platform for discussion and consultation on various issues affecting the UTs, including local governance, development projects, social and economic policies, and infrastructure improvements.
