The Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019

The Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019
Question: Recently the Dadra and Nagar Haveli have been merged with which union territory?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(b) Daman and Diu
(c) Lakshadweep
(d) Puducherry
Answer: (b)
Related facts:
  • On 3rd December 2019, the Parliament passed a bill to merge two Union territories Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli into one unit.
  • The Rajya Sabha passed the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019 on 3rd December 2019 through voice vote.
  • Lok Sabha has already passed this bill on November 27, 2019.
  • This bill was introduced by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Amit Shah in Lok Sabha on 26th November 2019.
  • The merged Union Territory will be named Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Background:

  • Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu have administered as a union territory of India by virtue of Article 240 (2) of the Constitution of India.
  • Article 240(1) of the Constitution permits the President to make regulations for certain UTs, including the UTs of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu.   
  • The President of India appoints an administrator to administer the territory on behalf of the central Government of India.
  • Prior to incorporation in independent India these UTs were part of Portuguese colony.

Links:

https://pib.nic.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1594745

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/parliament-passes-bill-to-merge-uts-daman-and-diu-dadra-and-nagar-haveli-1624818-2019-12-03

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/parliament-passes-bill-to-merge-daman-and-diu-dadra-and-nagar-haveli-uts/articleshow/72352359.cms