Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh, located in the northeastern part of India, is a state that was formed as a Union Territory in 1972. A Union Territory is an administrative division of India that is governed directly by the central government, unlike a state which has its own elected government. The status of a Union Territory is often transitional, as it can be upgraded to a state if the central government deems it necessary.
The process of granting statehood to Arunachal Pradesh began in the early 1980s. The central government recognized the need for greater administrative and legislative autonomy for the region, which had been under the direct control of the central government as a Union Territory. After a series of political and administrative deliberations, Arunachal Pradesh was granted statehood on February 20, 1987. This date is significant in the political history of India, as it marked the expansion of the Indian Union and the empowerment of a region with its own state government.
It is important to note that the process of statehood for Arunachal Pradesh was not straightforward. The region had been under the control of the Assam government until 1972, when it was declared a Union Territory. The transition to statehood was a result of various political and administrative considerations, including the need for better governance and development in the region.
In contrast, other Union Territories such as Pondicherry (now Puducherry), Daman and Diu, and Goa have different histories and statuses. Pondicherry and Daman and Diu remain Union Territories, while Goa attained statehood on May 30, 1987, a few months after Arunachal Pradesh.
Understanding the political history and the process of statehood for Arunachal Pradesh is crucial for comprehending the administrative and political landscape of India. It highlights the dynamic nature of the Indian Union and the importance of regional autonomy in the governance of the country.