Consider the following statements about the Linguistic Reorganization of the States:

1. Gandhiji, in 1948, had argued for the reorganization of provinces on a linguistic basis

2. The Constituent Assembly recommended it to be incorporated in the Constitution of India

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Neither 1 nor 2.

Key Points

• Gandhiji, in 1948, did not argue for the reorganization of provinces on a linguistic basis. He emphasized unity and the importance of a common national language.
• The idea of linguistic reorganization of states gained prominence post-independence, especially after the formation of the States Reorganization Commission in 1953.
• The Constituent Assembly did not recommend the incorporation of linguistic reorganization in the Constitution of India. The focus was more on administrative convenience and unity.
• The linguistic reorganization of states was primarily driven by popular movements and demands from various linguistic groups.
• The States Reorganization Act of 1956 was a significant milestone that led to the reorganization of Indian states on a linguistic basis.

Additional Information

• States Reorganization Commission (SRC)
  • The SRC was established in 1953 under the chairmanship of Fazal Ali.
  • Its mandate was to examine the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis.
  • The SRC submitted its report in 1955, recommending the reorganization of states primarily on linguistic lines.
• States Reorganization Act, 1956
  • The Act was enacted to implement the recommendations of the SRC.
  • It resulted in the creation of 14 states and 6 union territories in India.
  • It aimed to address the linguistic and cultural aspirations of different regions within India.
• Impact of Linguistic Reorganization
  • The reorganization helped in reducing linguistic conflicts and provided a sense of identity to various linguistic groups.
  • It facilitated easier administration and governance by aligning state boundaries with linguistic demographics.
  • However, it also led to demands for further reorganization and the creation of new states.
• Subsequent State Formations
  • Several new states were formed post-1956, including Gujarat (1960), Haryana (1966), and more recently, Telangana (2014).
  • These formations were often driven by linguistic, cultural, and regional aspirations.
  • Each new state formation involved legislative actions and sometimes, popular movements.