Part of: Goa Gk set 13

Which was the first Union Territory of India to be granted statehood?

Category: Goa Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of statehood for former Union Territories.

Correct Answer: A) Goa

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The concept of Union Territories in India refers to administrative divisions that are directly governed by the Union Government. These territories are not part of any state and have their own local governments. The transition of Union Territories to states is a significant historical event in the political landscape of India.

Goa, located on the western coast of India, was a Portuguese colony until 1961. After the liberation of Goa, it became a Union Territory. In 1987, Goa was granted statehood, making it the 25th state of India. This transition was a result of the efforts of the Goa Liberation Movement and the subsequent political processes that led to its elevation to statehood.

Understanding the historical context of Goa's transition is crucial. The liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule was a significant event in India's post-independence history. The Union Territory status was a temporary administrative arrangement until Goa was granted full statehood. This transition marked a significant milestone in the political development of the region and the country.

Other Union Territories like Chandigarh, Puducherry, and others have different histories and timelines for their administrative status. Chandigarh, for example, is still a Union Territory and serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. Puducherry was granted statehood much later, in 2019, making it the 29th state of India.

It is important to note that the process of granting statehood to Union Territories involves various political, economic, and social considerations. The transition of Goa to statehood was a result of these factors and the specific historical context of the region.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Goa was the first Union Territory to be granted statehood in India. It was a Portuguese colony until 1961 and became a Union Territory after liberation. In 1987, Goa was officially granted statehood, making it the 25th state of India.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Chandigarh is still a Union Territory and has not been granted statehood. It serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Himachal Pradesh was never a Union Territory. It was granted statehood in 1971, but it was a Chief Commissioner's Province before that.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Puducherry was granted statehood in 2019, making it the 29th state of India. It was a Union Territory before that and was not the first to be granted statehood.

Mnemonic: G for Goa, G for Grant (statehood)

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