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The Union Territory of Pondicherry comprises four enclaves namely, Pondicherry (Pondichéry), Karaikal (Karikal), Mahe (Mahé) and Yanam (Yanaon) that were ruled by French before independence.
In 1946, French India (Inde française) became Overseas territory (Territoire d'outre-mer) of France. Then a Representative Assembly (Assemblée représentative) was created.
French Government transferred the four enclaves to the Indian Union under a de facto treaty on 1 November 1954. Later the territory was merged with India on 16 August 1962.
As the people aspired for a popular Government, the Indian Parliament enacted the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 that came into force on 1 July 1963, and the pattern of Government prevailing in the rest of the country was introduced in this territory also, but subject to certain limitations. Under Article 239 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India appoints an Administrator with such designation as he may specify to head the administration of the territory. The President also appoints the Chief Minister. The President on the advice of the Chief Minister appoints the other Ministers.
The structure of the Pondicherry Legislature is Unicameral. The Legislative Assembly consists of 30 members. The people on the basis of adult franchise directly elect all the members.
In terms of the provisions of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 the normal tenure of the Assembly is five years, unless sooner dissolved. There are 16 Committees in the Assembly.
The Centre is represented by the Lt. Governor, who resides at the Raj Niwas, Rangapillai Street, the former palace of the French Governor General of Pondicherry. The Central government is more directly involved in the financial well-being of the territory, as against the states where financial administration, given a budgeted central grant is the responsibility to the state governments. Consequently, Pondicherry has at various times, enjoyed lower taxes, especially in the indirect category.
Pondicherry Legislative Assembly has 30 constituencies. Out of them 21 constituencies belong to Pondicherry, Karaikal has 6 in number, Mahe has 2 in number and Yanam has single constituency.
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