Question

The States Reorganisation Commission was appointed in 1953 :

• A. to ensure administrative efficiency.
• B. to end complexities regarding demarcation of the provinces’ boundaries during colonial rule.
• C. to ensure process of nation building.
• D. for demarcation of states’ boundaries on the basis of language.

Hint:

- SRC Appointed: December 1953 (Chairman: Fazal Ali) - Primary Basis: Redrawing boundaries according to language spoken . - States Reorganisation Act: Passed in 1956.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Following India's independence in 1947, the internal national map was an administrative legacy of British colonial provincial divisions and princely states. Demands for reorganizing states based on linguistic identity emerged strongly, leading to popular movements across various regions.

Step 1: Background of the creation of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC).
In 1952, a prolonged agitation led by Potti Sreeramulu (who died after a 56-day hunger strike) resulted in the creation of Andhra State as the first linguistic state for Telugu-speaking populations. To address widespread linguistic statehood demands across the country, the Central Government appointed the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in December 1953 .

Step 2: Composition and primary objective of SRC.
The Commission was headed by retired Supreme Court judge Fazal Ali (along with members H.N. Kunzru and K.M. Panikkar). Its central mandate was to study and recommend the redrawing of administrative internal boundaries of Indian states along linguistic lines (language boundaries).

Step 3: Outcome of the Commission.
The Commission submitted its report in 1955, recommending that state boundaries be reorganized to align with continuous linguistic zones. This led to the enactment of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 , creating 14 states and 6 Union Territories.