All questions of Union and its Territory for UPSC CSE Exam

The state of Hyderabad was integrated into India through Police action. This action was taken to integrate the princely state into the newly independent Indian Union.

As of today, there are 28 states and 8 Union territories in India. The Union territories are Delhi, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Ladakh, Puducherry, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Manipur was later established as a new state along with Tripura, Meghalaya, and the Union Territories of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh by the North Eastern Areas (Re-organization) Act, 1971.

India is referred to as a 'Union of States' because even though the country is divided into different states for administrative convenience, it remains one integral whole. The people are a single people living under a single imperium derived from a single source, and the federation is not based on an agreement by the states to join in a federation.

Article 2 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to admit new states into the Union of India or establish new states on terms and conditions as it deems fit.

The Dhar Commission recommended that the reorganization of states should be based on administrative convenience rather than a linguistic basis.

The Fazal Ali Commission, also known as the States Reorganization Commission (SRC), was established in 1953 by the Government of India to recommend the reorganization of states based on linguistic and cultural factors. The commission was headed by Justice Fazal Ali, and its recommendations formed the basis for the reorganization of states in India.

The Fazal Ali Commission laid down several principles for the reorganization of states, which aimed to ensure the security, unity, and development of the country. These principles included:

a) Security and unity of the country: This principle emphasized the need to maintain the security and territorial integrity of India. It aimed to avoid the creation of small, politically unstable states that could be easily influenced by external forces.

b) Financial, economic, and administrative viability: This principle focused on creating states that were financially, economically, and administratively viable. It aimed to ensure that the new states would be able to sustain themselves and effectively govern their territories.

c) Linguistic and cultural homogeneity: This principle formed the cornerstone of the commission's recommendations. It recognized the importance of language and culture in defining the identity of different regions and communities. The commission advocated for the reorganization of states along linguistic lines to promote better governance and to address the grievances of linguistic minorities.

However, the Fazal Ali Commission did not lay down the principle of racial and religious homogeneity as a basis for the reorganization of states. The commission recognized the diverse racial and religious composition of India and focused primarily on linguistic and cultural factors in its recommendations.

The exclusion of racial and religious homogeneity as a guiding principle was a conscious decision by the commission to avoid any form of religious or racial discrimination. The commission aimed to promote inclusivity and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their race or religion.

In conclusion, the Fazal Ali Commission did not lay down the principle of racial and religious homogeneity as the basis for the reorganization of states. Instead, it focused on principles such as security and unity of the country, financial viability, and linguistic and cultural homogeneity to guide the reorganization process.

Understanding Article 1 of the Indian Constitution
Article 1 of the Indian Constitution plays a crucial role in defining the nature of the Indian state. It establishes India as a "Union of States," which has significant implications for the governance structure and the relationship between the central government and the states.
Key Points of Article 1:
- Union of States: Article 1 explicitly states that "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States." This phrase emphasizes the unity of the nation while accommodating the diversity of its states.
- Federal Structure: The term "Union" signifies that India is not a federation in the conventional sense. While it has a federal structure, it is more of a union that allows for a strong central authority, unlike pure federations where states have more sovereignty.
- Inclusion of States: Article 1 further allows for the admission or establishment of new states through legislative measures, reflecting the dynamic nature of India's political landscape.
- Constitutional Framework: As the first article, it sets the tone for the rest of the Constitution by establishing the fundamental nature of the Indian state, emphasizing the principles of unity and integrity.
Conclusion:
In summary, Article 1 is foundational in defining India's identity as a nation. It encapsulates the essence of India as a diverse yet unified country, highlighting the importance of both the states and the central authority in maintaining the integrity of the nation. Understanding this article is crucial for grasping the broader constitutional framework and the functioning of Indian democracy.

Introduction to the 36th Amendment Act
The 36th Amendment Act of 1975 was a significant milestone in the history of India, as it facilitated the integration of Sikkim into the Indian Union.
Background of Sikkim's Admission
- Sikkim was a princely state located in the eastern Himalayas, which had its own monarchy and was not initially part of the Indian territory.
- The political scenario in the region led to demands for integration with India, particularly after the 1950 Indo-Sikkim Treaty.
Key Provisions of the 36th Amendment Act
- The Act officially recognized Sikkim as the 22nd state of India.
- It established a new legislative assembly for Sikkim, which allowed for local governance and representation.
- The amendment granted Sikkim the same privileges and responsibilities as other Indian states.
Significance of the Admission
- The inclusion of Sikkim into India helped to stabilize the region, ensuring security and development.
- It marked a step towards the consolidation of territories within India, reflecting the nation’s commitment to integrating diverse cultures and communities.
Conclusion
The 36th Amendment Act was not just a legal formality; it symbolized the unity of a culturally rich state with the larger Indian identity, thereby strengthening the nation’s federal structure. Thus, the correct answer to the question is c) Sikkim.

Linguistic basis
Telangana was created as a new state primarily on the basis of linguistic considerations. The Telangana region, comprising mainly Telugu-speaking people, felt a sense of linguistic and cultural identity separate from the rest of Andhra Pradesh. This led to demands for a separate statehood to protect the interests and promote the development of the Telangana region.

Historical Context
The demand for a separate Telangana state gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s during the 'Telangana Movement'. This movement was primarily driven by the feeling of neglect and discrimination faced by the people of Telangana in terms of political representation, economic development, and overall welfare.

Linguistic Reorganization of States
The linguistic reorganization of states in India played a significant role in the creation of Telangana. The States Reorganization Act of 1956 aimed to reorganize states based on linguistic and cultural homogeneity. Telangana's linguistic distinctiveness from the coastal Andhra region was a key factor in the decision to create a separate state.

Socio-Economic Disparities
The socio-economic disparities between Telangana and the rest of Andhra Pradesh also fueled the demand for statehood. Telangana region felt that its resources were being exploited for the benefit of the more prosperous Andhra region, leading to feelings of marginalization and injustice.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the linguistic basis was the main foundation for the creation of the new state of Telangana. The linguistic and cultural identity of the Telangana region, coupled with historical grievances and socio-economic disparities, played a crucial role in the formation of the state.

The state of Sikkim was established by the Constitution (36th Amendment) Act, 1975.

Explanation:

The 100th Amendment Act
The 100th Amendment Act was enacted by the Indian government in 2015 for acquiring certain territories by India and transferring some territories to Bangladesh. This amendment was a crucial step in resolving long-standing border disputes between the two countries.

Acquiring Territories
Under the 100th Amendment Act, India acquired 111 enclaves (small areas of one country entirely surrounded by the territory of another country) from Bangladesh. These enclaves were located in the Cooch Behar district of West Bengal and the districts of Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, and Nilphamari in Bangladesh.

Transferring Territories
As part of the agreement, India transferred 51 enclaves to Bangladesh. These enclaves were scattered across various districts in India, including the states of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

Impact
The implementation of the 100th Amendment Act had a significant impact on the residents of the enclaves, as they were finally granted citizenship rights and access to basic amenities that were previously denied to them due to their unique geographical status.

Conclusion
The 100th Amendment Act played a crucial role in resolving border disputes and improving relations between India and Bangladesh. It was a landmark legislation that aimed to address the complex issue of enclaves and ensure the well-being of the residents living in these areas.

Article 3 of the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution provides a framework for the formation of new states and the alteration of state boundaries. Article 3 specifically empowers the Parliament to create new states or modify the boundaries of existing states.
Key Provisions of Article 3:
- Formation of New States:
Parliament can form a new state by separating territory from an existing state.
- Alteration of Boundaries:
It allows the alteration of the boundaries of existing states, which can involve merging two or more states.
- Change in Status:
The Constitution also allows for the change in the status of a state, such as converting a Union Territory into a state.
Procedure to be Followed:
- Parliamentary Approval:
The process requires a Bill to be introduced in Parliament.
- Consultation with States:
Before introducing the Bill, the President must consult the states affected by the proposed changes.
- Simple Majority:
The Bill can be passed by a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament.
Significance of Article 3:
- Flexibility:
This provision grants the Parliament the flexibility to reorganize states based on administrative, political, or cultural considerations.
- Response to Demands:
It addresses regional aspirations and demands for statehood, promoting a sense of local governance.
In summary, Article 3 is a crucial component of the Indian Constitution, enabling the reorganization of states to reflect the changing socio-political landscape of the country.

The correct answer is option 'D', the States Reorganization Act, 1956. This Act was a significant piece of legislation that was responsible for the reorganization of states in India and the creation of Union Territories.

The Act was introduced in response to the demand for linguistic states, which emerged as a result of various factors such as language-based political movements and the need to better administer and govern diverse regions based on linguistic and cultural similarities.

Below are the key points regarding the States Reorganization Act, 1956:

1. Background:
- Before the enactment of this Act, India's states were primarily organized based on administrative convenience and historical factors, rather than linguistic or cultural considerations.
- The demand for linguistic states gained momentum after India's independence, as people sought to have states formed on the basis of their own language.

2. Objectives:
- The Act aimed to provide for the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis, ensuring better governance, administration, and development.
- It aimed to address the linguistic and cultural diversity of India and promote a sense of regional identity and unity.

3. Salient Features:
- The Act led to the creation of new states and the redrawing of state boundaries based on linguistic considerations.
- It established the concept of Union Territories, which were areas directly administered by the central government without a separate state legislature.
- The Act also made provisions for the transfer of territories between states and the formation of autonomous regions within states.

4. Implementation:
- The Act was passed by the Parliament of India and received the President's assent on August 31, 1956.
- A State Reorganization Commission was appointed to study and make recommendations regarding the reorganization of states.
- The recommendations of the Commission formed the basis for the Act.

5. Impact:
- The Act led to the formation of several linguistic states such as Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu, among others.
- It facilitated the preservation and promotion of regional languages and cultures, allowing for more effective governance and development.
- The creation of Union Territories ensured direct central administration in areas with special status or strategic importance.

In conclusion, the States Reorganization Act, 1956 played a crucial role in reorganizing states in India based on linguistic considerations and creating Union Territories. It addressed the demands for linguistic states, promoted regional identity, and aimed to enhance governance and development in the country.

The main condition specified in Article 3 for the formation of new states is that the bill can be introduced in Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President, and the President must refer the bill to the legislature of the affected state for its views.

Puducherry, along with its constituent regions Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, was ceded to India by the French government in 1954.

The state of Gujarat was created by dividing the former state of Bombay through the Bombay Re-organization Act, 1960.

Introduction
The Madhya Pradesh Re-organization Act, 2000 played a significant role in reshaping the political landscape of India by carving out a new state from the existing boundaries of Madhya Pradesh.
Formation of Chhattisgarh
- The act came into effect on November 1, 2000.
- It led to the creation of Chhattisgarh as the 26th state of India.
Reasons for Re-organization
- Administrative Efficiency: The bifurcation aimed to enhance administrative efficiency by reducing the size of Madhya Pradesh, which was one of the largest states in India.
- Cultural Identity: Chhattisgarh has a distinct tribal culture and identity, which necessitated a separate state to address local governance and development needs.
Geographical Context
- Chhattisgarh is located in central India, bordered by Madhya Pradesh to the west, Maharashtra to the southwest, Odisha to the southeast, Jharkhand to the northeast, and Uttar Pradesh to the northwest.
Impacts of the Re-organization
- Economic Development: The formation of Chhattisgarh has led to focused developmental efforts in sectors like agriculture, mining, and industry.
- Political Representation: Establishing a separate state has allowed for better political representation for the local population.
Conclusion
The Madhya Pradesh Re-organization Act, 2000, was pivotal in the establishment of Chhattisgarh, addressing the unique needs and aspirations of its people, while promoting better governance and development in the region.

The state of Haryana was created by bifurcating Punjab in 1966. Along with Haryana, the Union Territory of Chandigarh was also formed.

According to Article 2 of the Indian Constitution, Parliament has the authority to admit new states into the Union or establish new states on such terms and conditions as it deems fit.