Question
Give an account of the initiative and controversies about the reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis.
Answer
The reorganisation of Indian states on a linguistic basis was one of the most significant initiatives taken by the Indian government after independence. This initiative was taken to give recognition to the cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity of the country.
The idea of reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis was first proposed by the Congress Working Committee in 1920. But it was only after independence, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, that the idea gained momentum. In 1953, the Government of India appointed the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) to examine and recommend the reorganisation of states in India. The SRC, headed by Fazal Ali, submitted its report in 1955, which formed the basis for the reorganisation of states in India.
