Creation of States in India in 1966

In 1966, two states were created in India - Punjab and Haryana. Let's understand the background and reasons behind their creation.

Background:

Before 1966, Punjab was a large state that included present-day Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan. The state had a majority of Punjabi-speaking people and a significant Sikh population. However, there was growing demand from the Hindi-speaking people of Haryana to separate from Punjab and form a separate state. They argued that they were not getting a fair share in the state's resources and that their language and culture were different from Punjabi.

Reasons for Creation:

The main reasons for the creation of Haryana and Punjab were:

1. Linguistic Diversity: The linguistic diversity of Punjab made it difficult for the government to administer the state effectively. The demand for separate states on linguistic lines was gaining momentum in different parts of India, and Punjab was no exception.

2. Administrative Ease: The creation of smaller states was seen as a way to improve governance and administrative efficiency. The new states of Haryana and Punjab were expected to be easier to govern than the larger state of Punjab.

3. Political Representation: The creation of Haryana was also seen as a way to provide political representation to the Hindi-speaking people of the region. They felt that their interests were not adequately represented in the Punjab Legislative Assembly.

Impact:

The creation of Haryana and Punjab had a significant impact on the region's politics, economy, and society. Some of the key impacts were:

1. Political: The creation of Haryana and Punjab led to the formation of new political parties and the realignment of existing ones. The Akali Dal, which had been the dominant political force in Punjab, split into two factions - one supporting the creation of Haryana and the other opposing it.

2. Economic: The division of resources between Haryana and Punjab was a contentious issue. The two states had to negotiate the sharing of water resources, electricity, and other infrastructure. The creation of Haryana also led to the development of new industries and agricultural practices in the region.

3. Social: The creation of Haryana and Punjab had a significant impact on the social fabric of the region. There was a mass migration of people between the two states, and the linguistic and cultural differences between them became more pronounced.

Conclusion:

The creation of Haryana and Punjab in 1966 was a significant event in India's history. It was a response to the growing demand for linguistic states and a way to improve governance and administrative efficiency. The impact of this division can still be felt in the region's politics, economy, and society.