All questions of Union and its Territory for SSC CGL Exam

As of today, India has 28 states and 8 Union territories.

The Linguistic Provinces Commission, led by S.K. Dhar, was appointed to assess the possibility of reorganizing states based on language, addressing the growing demand for linguistic states.

Changes in the names of states according to Article 4
Process:
- According to Article 4 of the Indian Constitution, changes in the names of states are accomplished by a simple majority in Parliament.
- This means that a bill proposing the change in the name of a state needs to be passed by a simple majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Significance of a simple majority:
- A simple majority in Parliament refers to more than half of the members present and voting.
- This process ensures that the decision to change the name of a state is made through a democratic process where the elected representatives of the people have a say.
Implications:
- Changing the name of a state is a significant decision as it impacts the identity and cultural heritage of the region.
- Therefore, the requirement of a simple majority in Parliament ensures that there is a thorough discussion and debate before such a decision is made.
Conclusion:
- In conclusion, changes in the names of states are accomplished through a simple majority in Parliament as per Article 4 of the Indian Constitution. This process ensures that the decision is made democratically and after due deliberation.

Recommendation of the JVP Committee:
The JVP Committee, chaired by Jawahar Lal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya, recommended the following:

Postponing the formation of new provinces for a few years:
- The committee suggested that the creation of new states based on linguistic lines should be postponed for a few years.
- This recommendation was made keeping in mind the need for stability and administrative efficiency in the newly independent India.

Reasoning behind the recommendation:
- The committee believed that rushing into the formation of new linguistic states could potentially lead to unrest and instability in the country.
- They felt that more time was needed to carefully plan and implement the creation of linguistic states in a way that would minimize any negative consequences.

Importance of administrative efficiency:
- The committee recognized the importance of administrative convenience in the formation of new states.
- They understood that creating states solely based on linguistic lines might not always be the most practical or efficient approach.
In conclusion, the JVP Committee's recommendation to postpone the formation of new provinces for a few years was based on the need for stability, administrative efficiency, and careful planning in the process of creating linguistic states in India.

Major Changes brought about by the States Reorganization Act, 1956:

Abolishing the Four-fold Classification:
- The States Reorganization Act, 1956 abolished the existing four-fold classification of states based on Provinces, Part A States, Part B States, and Part C States.
- Instead, it introduced a new classification system dividing states into States and Union Territories.

Creation of States and Union Territories:
- The Act established two main categories - States and Union Territories.
- States were created based on linguistic homogeneity, administrative convenience, and other relevant factors.
- Union Territories were designated for areas that did not have the characteristics required to be classified as a State.

Focus on Linguistic Homogeneity:
- Linguistic homogeneity became the primary basis for state reorganization under the Act.
- States were carved out based on the predominant language spoken in a region, ensuring that people speaking the same language were grouped together.

Impact on State Boundaries:
- The Act led to significant changes in state boundaries, with some states being reorganized and new states being created.
- This restructuring aimed to promote better governance, administration, and development in the newly formed states.

Overall Impact:
- The States Reorganization Act, 1956 brought about a major shift in the classification of states in India.
- It laid the foundation for a more cohesive and linguistically homogenous state structure, leading to improved governance and administration in the country.

Sikkim was admitted into the Union of India as a state through the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act in 1975.

Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new states, alter boundaries, and make changes related to the reorganization of states.

The Fazal Ali Commission emphasized these four principles as the basis for state reorganization, balancing regional sentiment and national interest.