Comprehensive Reorganisation of Indian States

The comprehensive reorganisation of Indian states was completed in accordance with the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission in 1960.

Background

- After India gained independence in 1947, the country was divided into various provinces and princely states.
- The princely states were given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan. Some of these states had linguistic and cultural differences within their territories.
- As a result, there were demands for the reorganisation of states based on linguistic and cultural identities.

Formation of States Reorganisation Commission

- In order to address these demands, the Indian government set up the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in 1953.
- The commission was tasked with examining the boundaries of states and recommending reorganisation based on linguistic and cultural factors.

Recommendations of the Commission

- The SRC submitted its report in 1955, which included recommendations for the reorganisation of states.
- The key recommendations included the formation of states based on linguistic lines and the redrawing of state boundaries to accommodate these linguistic states.
- The commission also recommended the creation of autonomous regions within states for areas with significant linguistic or cultural minorities.

Implementation of the Recommendations

- The recommendations of the SRC were not immediately implemented as there were concerns about the impact on administrative efficiency and potential conflicts.
- However, after considerable debate and discussions, the Indian government decided to implement the recommendations.
- The States Reorganisation Act was passed by the Parliament in 1956, which provided for the reorganisation of states according to the recommendations of the SRC.
- The Act came into effect on November 1, 1956, and led to the formation of new states and the redrawing of state boundaries.

Completion of Reorganisation

- The comprehensive reorganisation of Indian states in accordance with the recommendations of the SRC was completed in 1960.
- By this time, several new states had been formed, and state boundaries had been redrawn to reflect linguistic and cultural identities.
- This reorganisation was a significant step in the nation-building process and aimed to address the demands for linguistic and cultural autonomy within the country.

In conclusion, the comprehensive reorganisation of Indian states in accordance with the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission was completed in 1960. This reorganisation was based on linguistic and cultural factors and led to the formation of new states and the redrawing of state boundaries.