Question

Why did independent India choose language as a criterion for the reorganization of states?

Hard

Solution

Verified by  GMS

Independent India choose language as a criterion for the reorganization of states because of following reasons:

1) Linguistic Reorganization of States:
After India's independence, a major problem faced by the people of princely states was related to language. There were many princely states with people speaking different languages. So there were demands from different parts of India for the formation of states on the basis of language.

2) In 1920 the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress resolved to form its state committees on the basis of language. After independence, people agitated for the formation of states along linguistic lines. Potti Sriramalu, a freedom fighter, started satyagraha for the formation of Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speaking people. After 58 days of fasting, his martyedom and it intensified the mass agitation.

3) Following this, in 1953, the Government of India formed the state of Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speaking people. After this, the demand for linguistic states intensified. The Government of India formed a Commission to reorganise Indian states on the basis of languages, with Fazl Ali as Chairman and H.N.Kunzru and K.M.Panikkar, a Keralite, as members.
4) As per the recommendations of the Commission, the Parliament passed the States Reorganisation Act in 1956. Thus, 14 states and 6 union territories came into effect. Afterwards, new states were formed in various phases. Now, India has 28 states and 8 union territories.