Who acts as the administrator of a Union Territory in India?

Explanation

The correct answer is (c) President of India, through an administrator appointed by him Explanation: · Every Union Territory in India is administered by the President, acting to such extent as he thinks fit, through an administrator appointed by him. · This provision is laid down under Article 239 of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the administration of Union Territories. · The designation of the administrator may vary; they are called Lieutenant Governors in Delhi, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. · In other Union Territories like Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep, the head is simply designated as the Administrator. · Unlike a Governor of a State, who is a constitutional head of the state, an administrator of a Union Territory is an agent of the President and not a head of state. Information Booster: · The President can also appoint the Governor of a neighboring State as the administrator of a Union Territory. · In such cases, the Governor exercises his functions as such administrator independently of his Council of Ministers in the State. · The Union Territories of Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir have been provided with a legislative assembly and a council of ministers headed by a Chief Minister. · Even in Union Territories with assemblies, the ultimate executive power remains vested in the President through the Lieutenant Governor. Additional Knowledge: Governor of the neighboring state (Option a) · While a Governor can be appointed as an administrator, they do not hold this power by virtue of being a Governor; it requires a specific Presidential appointment. · The Governor acts as a bridge between the State and the Center, whereas an administrator is a direct representative of the Union Government. Chief Minister of the Union Territory (Option b) · Only three Union Territories (Delhi, Puducherry, and J&K) have the post of Chief Minister. · The Chief Minister advises the Lieutenant Governor, but the administrative head remains the appointee of the President. Home Minister of India (Option d) · The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal ministry for all matters of Union Territories relating to legislation, finance, and budget. · However, the Home Minister does not "act" as the administrator; the administrative duties are carried out by the designated officer (LG or Administrator).