Daily Mains Question – GS 2 – 11th August 2025
- TPP
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to your daily UPSC Mains Answer Practice! Today’s question delves into the landmark 1956 State Reorganisation in India, exploring how the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) navigated the complex interplay of linguistic identity, administrative efficiency, economic viability, and national security. Post-independence India faced an urgent challenge: integrating over 500 princely states and British-administered provinces into a cohesive federal structure. While linguistic demands for statehood gained momentum—especially after the creation of Andhra in 1953—policymakers were equally concerned about preserving national unity and institutional stability. The SRC’s recommendations, culminating in the reorganisation of India into 14 states and 6 Union Territories, remain foundational to Indian federalism. This question is highly relevant for GS Paper 2 – Polity and Governance, particularly in understanding the evolution of Centre-State relations, the constitutional framework for federalism, and the balance between regional aspirations and national integration.
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QUESTION
"The 1956 State Reorganisation marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Indian federalism." Discuss how the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) addressed linguistic, administrative, economic, and security considerations to achieve a balanced federal structure.
Answer: At the time of independence in 1947, India inherited a dual administrative structure — British-ruled provinces and 565 princely states — with diverse linguistic, ethnic, and administrative backgrounds. While the demand for linguistic states had existed during the colonial period, post-independence, national integration and administrative cohesion became paramount.
The JVP Committee (1949), set up to examine the issue of linguistic provinces, cautioned against reorganisation on linguistic lines alone, citing fears of balkanisation. However, the creation of Andhra in 1953 marked a turning point, necessitating a comprehensive review by the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), established in 1953 under Justice Fazl Ali.
1. Background and Mandate of the SRC:
The SRC was constituted in December 1953 to examine the entire question of reorganisation of states objectively.
It submitted its 267-page report in September 1955, which formed the basis of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
The SRC reviewed over 1,50,000 representations from various stakeholders, indicating the depth and scale of the task.
2. Balancing Linguistic Considerations:
Linguistic affinity was acknowledged as a powerful integrative force, facilitating administrative convenience, cultural expression, and political participation.
The SRC stated that “language and culture foster a common way of life,” which in turn aids in governance and people’s participation.
Based on this, 14 states and 6 Union Territories were created in 1956, with states like Kerala (Malayalam), Karnataka (Kannada), and Maharashtra (Marathi) emerging on linguistic lines.
However, the SRC also cautioned that linguistic homogeneity alone cannot determine state boundaries.
3. Administrative Efficiency:
Administrative viability was seen as essential for development, governance, and service delivery.
SRC emphasized that the size, population, geographical compactness, and administrative ease of states should not be compromised in favour of language alone.
For example, the decision not to merge Bengal and Bihar, despite some linguistic overlap, was based on administrative grounds.
4. Economic Viability:
The Commission underlined that new states must be financially self-sustaining, with potential for resource mobilisation and development.
Economic backwardness was a critical factor — areas with poor infrastructure or agrarian distress needed tailored governance.
For instance, the inclusion of Telangana with Andhra was recommended with safeguards to ensure balanced development.
5. National Unity and Security:
The paramount consideration was to ensure the unity, integrity, and security of the Indian Union.
The SRC was wary of regions with secessionist tendencies or inter-regional disparities becoming unmanageable if reorganised solely on linguistic lines.
Sensitive border regions were given special attention — some were kept under Union Territories to ensure central control (e.g., Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep).
The SRC concluded that "a balanced approach to the whole problem is necessary in the interests of our national unity." While language was a key factor in reorganisation, it was carefully balanced with administrative, economic, and security considerations. The 1956 reorganisation laid the foundation for a strong federal structure, accommodating India’s diversity while preserving national unity.
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