Context:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced the establishment of a Telugu University in honor of martyr Sri Potti Sriramulu
Sri Potti Sriramulu:
- Played a crucial role in advocating for a Telugu-speaking state from Madras.
- His death on 15th December 1952 after a 56-day fast led to the creation of linguistic states in India.
- His sacrifice led to widespread violence, resulting in the creation of Andhra Pradesh in October 1953.
- This also prompted the government to form the State Reorganisation Commission in December 1953
- Participated in the 1930 Salt Satyagraha and was jailed for his involvement.
- Also participated in the Quit India Movement.
- A dedicated follower and ardent supporter of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Joined the Gandhi Ashram in Komaravolu, established by Yerneni Subrahmanyam.
- Undertook a fast to support Dalit entry rights to the Venu Gopala Swamy Temple in Moolapeta, Nellore, which were eventually granted.
State Reorganisation Commission (SRC):
- Formation – Established by the Government of India in December 1953.
- Purpose – To examine the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis and address demands for state boundaries that reflected linguistic and ethnic identities.
- Members – Fazl Ali (Chairman), K.M. Panikkar and H.N. Kunzru
Key Recommendations of the Commission:
- Recommended the reorganization of states primarily on linguistic lines to ensure administrative convenience and cultural cohesion.
- However, it rejected the concept of one language – one state.
- Factors considered for state reorganisation:
- Unity and security of the nation.
- Linguistic and cultural homogeneity.
- Financial, economic, and administrative considerations.
- Abolition of 4-Fold Classification: Suggested the abolition of the 4-fold classification of states and territories under the original Constitution.
- Creation of New States: Proposed the creation of 16 states and 3 centrally administered territories.
- Implementation –
- Based on these recommendations, the State Reorganisation Act 1956 was passed, creating 14 centrally governed states and 6 union territories.
- It also led to the passing of the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act in 1956, which replaced the 4 types of states known as Part A, B, C, and D with 2 categories: States and Union territories.
- States – Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Bombay, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala. Madhya Pradesh, Madras, Mysore, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal,
- Union Territories – Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Laccadive Minicoy and Amindivi Islands, Manipur, Tripura.
Read more about Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014
Source: TOI
Previous Year Question
With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements:
1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States.
2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Members of this assembly were to be elected by the provincial assemblies and nominated by the Princely states.